Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has rapidly emerged as a key player in global maritime trade, with the arrival of its first container ship, *San Fernando*, in July 2024, and its 200th vessel, *A S ALVA*, in March 2025. Projections show the port will generate 2,15,000 crore over the next 36 years, with Kerala’s share estimated at 35,000 crore, though financial benefits are expected from 2029. In February 2025, it surpassed Chennai Port in container movement. However, the Kerala government has opposed the central government’s demand for repayment of Viability Gap Funding (VGF), which it argues would unfairly burden the state. This has sparked tensions between the central and state governments, with Kerala stressing the national importance of the port.