India holds the potential to be a global hub for shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime innovation, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, adding that India has already produced aircraft carriers, research vessels and commercial ships. Singh was speaking during his address at Samudra Utkarsh — a seminar organised by the Department of Defence Production.
"What truly sets India apart is its integrated end-to-end shipbuilding ecosystem. From concept design and modular construction to outfitting, refit, repairs, and full life cycle support, every stage of the shipbuilding process is indigenously developed and executed," he said.
The seminar was attended by several industry stakeholders, foreign partners, delegates and officers from the armed forces at the gathering.
"Our public and private shipyards, backed by thousands of MSMEs, have created a robust value chain that spans steel, propulsion, electronics, sensors, and advanced combat systems," he cited.
The defence minister asserted that the Indian shipbuilding industry, composed of the "spirited" public sector undertakings and "dynamic" private sector partners, safeguards national interests, regionally and globally.
Rajnath then highlighted that India’s shipbuilding ecosystem stands on the strength of multiple world-class platforms that reflect technological maturity and industrial depth.
Further talking about India’s flagship projects, such as the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier — INS Vikrant, Kalvari-class submarines and stealth frigates and destroyers — Singh said that they not only underline the naval strength of the nation, but also the expanding design capability and automation.
"We are capable of delivering aircraft carriers to advanced research vessels and energy-efficient commercial ships. This integrated capability positions India strongly to become a global hub for shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime innovation in the coming decade," Singh said.
Singh noted that the result of the government's efforts is that the Indian Navy has 262 ongoing indigenous design and development projects in advanced stages.
"We also boast of high indigenous content on our platforms. Some of our shipyards are on track to secure 100 per cent indigenous content within this decade. This means that any naval vessel supplied from India will suffer minimum supply chain disruptions," he added.
"Indian shipyards are vital pillars of our emerging blue economy."
Singh has urged international partners to tap the potential of India's vibrant shipbuilding industry and co-develop next-generation maritime capabilities and create sustainable technologies and resilient supply chains while shaping an innovative, inclusive and secure future for the world.
Singh has urged global partners to utilise the potential of India's robust shipbuilding industry for the joint development of next-generation maritime capabilities and technologies. He then encouraged international collaboration to build sustainable technologies and resilient supply chains, aiming to shape an innovative, inclusive, and secure future for the world.
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