List of 13 Major Sea Ports in India

Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026, 11:29 IST

India has a vast coastline with 13 major ports in India that handle 95% of its trade. These ports of India, including the largest port in India, Mundra, are vital hubs for international trade and the nation's economic growth.

Major Sea Ports of India
Major Sea Ports of India

India has a vast coastline that stretches 11,098.81 km with many major ports in India that drive the nation's economy. These ports of India are vital because they handle over 90% of the country's trade by volume. The largest port in India is Mundra Port, known for its massive cargo capacity. Another key hub is Mumbai Port, often called the "Gateway of India". You might also know Kochi Port as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea". These hubs connect India to the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the major indian seaports and their roles in the Indian economy.

ALSO READ: Which State has the Longest Coastline in India?

List of 13 Major Indian Sea Ports

Major-Ports-in-India-Map

Source: MapsforUPSC

There are 13 major ports in India located throughout the country. These ports let ships bring goods in and out, helping India grow and connect with other countries.

Port Name Location (State) Why is it important? Also Known As
Deendayal Port Gujarat Handles the most cargo volume. Kandla Port
Mumbai Port Maharashtra India's largest natural port. Gateway of India
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Maharashtra The biggest container port in the country. Nhava Sheva
Mormugao Port Goa Main port for exporting iron ore. -
New Mangalore Port Karnataka Handles tea, coffee, and oil. Gateway of Karnataka
Cochin Port Kerala Located on a beautiful natural harbour. Queen of the Arabian Sea
V.O. Chidambaranar Tamil Nadu Important for trade with Sri Lanka. Tuticorin Port
Chennai Port Tamil Nadu Largest port on the Bay of Bengal. Gateway of South India
Kamarajar Port Tamil Nadu First major port run as a company. Ennore Port
Visakhapatnam Port Andhra Pradesh Deepest and safest landlocked port. Vizag Port
Paradip Port Odisha Key for coal and iron ore exports. -
Syama Prasad Mookerjee West Bengal Only major riverine port in India. Kolkata Port
Port Blair Port Andaman & Nicobar Strategic port for island security. -

1. Deendayal Port: Largest  Sea Port in India 

The port is in Gujarat and is the largest in India by the total weight of goods it handles. It supports Northern India by bringing in oil and sending out salt and textiles. Since it is a Trade Free Zone, businesses can use it at a low cost. This makes the port important for India's international trade.

2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port: Busiest Sea Port in India

JNPT is located near Mumbai and is the most modern port in India. It handles over half of the country’s container traffic, so many electronic goods, clothes, and car parts pass through here. The port uses advanced machines to move goods quickly and plays an important role in connecting India with Europe and America.

3. Visakhapatnam Port: Deepest Sea Port in India

This port in Andhra Pradesh is one of the deepest in India. Hills around it protect ships, so it stays safe even during storms. The port is important for exporting iron ore to Japan and also handles crude oil and coal, which support India's industries.

Recent Arrival of Gas and LPG Ships through the Strait of Hormuz

Two large Indian ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, recently completed an important trip. They transported a large supply of LPG (cooking gas) through the Strait of Hormuz, a region that has seen international tensions.

The arrival of these ships is good news for India, as it keeps the country’s gas supply secure. The government gave them priority berthing so they could dock and unload quickly. This helps make sure families across India have enough cooking gas.

Conclusion

In short, the major sea ports in India are the backbone of the nation's economy. From the busy container docks of JNPT to the deep waters of Visakhapatnam, each port has a special role. They help us get the things we need, like fuel and food, and help us sell Indian products to other countries.

Kriti Barua
Kriti Barua

Executive - Editorial

Kriti Barua is a skilled digital journalist and communications professional with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for the General Knowledge section at Jagran New Media. She has established herself as a subject matter expert in History, Geography, Trending National and International News, Sports, Science, and Defence, producing clear, reliable, and search-optimised content that connects with readers worldwide.
Kriti holds a BA degree from Delhi University and a one-year diploma in TV Production and Journalism, an academic background that adds research depth and strong storytelling instincts to her writing. Her experience spans brand writing, content marketing, and digital media, giving her a sharp understanding of what makes content both helpful to readers and visible in search.
At Jagran New Media, she applies this expertise to national and international news coverage, query-based articles, and in-depth pieces across her specialist subject areas. Her content is defined by easy language, factual accuracy, strong keyword strategy, and reader-friendly storytelling.

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First Published: Mar 17, 2026, 11:50 IST

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