Govt Exempts GIFT City Entities From Licence Requirement To Charter Foreign Vessels For Global Trade

The government on Friday announced that entities operating in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) will no longer require licences to charter foreign vessels for export-import cargo movement and international trade activities. The exemption has been granted under Section 11 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, and is aimed at simplifying regulatory procedures for maritime businesses operating from GIFT City. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping an