India recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes of ships in 2025, securing a 35.4% global share and becoming the world leader ahead of the 2030 target.
India increased its share of global ship recycling to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% the previous year, according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report cited by the Shipping Ministry on June 22. The country handled nearly 60% more tonnage than in 2024.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal credited sustained policy reforms, industry efforts and adherence to international standards under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Recycling of Ships Act 2019 aligned the sector with the Hong Kong Convention, which India ratified that year.
The government provided ₹53.5 crore to modernise 115 yards and introduced the Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme. Plans are under way to expand the Alang yard to about 9 million light displacement tonnes. India is also seeking inclusion on the European Union list of approved facilities.
