National Maritime Day in India is observed every April 5 to celebrate the country's maritime history and the achievements of Indian entrepreneurs in the shipping industry. The day commemorates the milestone event in 1919 when the SS Loyalty, the first ship owned entirely by Indians, embarked on its journey to the United Kingdom, marking a significant revival of India's shipping sector. Established in 1964, this observance honors the contributions of local businessmen who founded the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, India's first large-scale shipping company. The Ministry of Shipping, responsible for regulating maritime transport and shipping in India, oversees the development and implementation of policies related to major ports, shipyards, and inland waterways. The celebration highlights India's long-standing maritime trade history, dating back to the Indus Valley civilization's trade with Mesopotamia and later with the Roman Empire.