PROSPECTS FOR INDIAN SHIPPING

India's quest for rapid economic growth will falter unless transport s ystems for both domestic and overseas trade match the needs. Shipping and shipbuilding are as old as recorded history, yet remain cost effec tive and relevant today for inland, coastal and overseas traffic. Ship ping and shipbuilding can become catalysts for industrial development and export-led growth, but an attitudinal shift from skills to knowled ge is a prime requirement. Fleets, ports, manpower, management and shi pyards need updating, and should become globally competitive. Ocean re sources must be husbanded, and national maritime assets and interests safeguarded, Negligence could have serious long term adverse effects. Holistic modernization is required to arrest decline and to energize t he industry, as slow or piecemeal solutions may result in wastage of s carce resources.