Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for India to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities and target global markets with high-quality vessels, as the country seeks to establish itself as a major international shipbuilding hub.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for five expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited in West Bengal, Singh highlighted the growing opportunity for India as shipbuilding activity declines in several developed countries. The projects involve a combined investment of around ₹3,500 crore.
Singh said India has the engineering talent, technical expertise and industrial base needed to capture the emerging global shipbuilding opportunity. He also stressed the potential for the country to become a global hub for ship design, allowing Indian expertise to be exported alongside vessels.
GRSE, which has built more than 800 vessels, is expanding its capacity while also undertaking commercial shipbuilding. The company is currently building 12 cargo vessels for a German company in addition to its naval orders, supporting the government’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision.
The Defence Minister also underlined the importance of developing ship-repair and maintenance capabilities. He said India could emerge as a regional hub for ship repair and overhaul in the Indian Ocean, helping save foreign exchange while creating thousands of jobs.
The expansion of shipyards and related industrial facilities is expected to strengthen India’s domestic maritime manufacturing ecosystem, create opportunities for MSMEs and skilled workers, and improve the country’s ability to compete for international shipbuilding orders.
Singh’s remarks come as the government pushes for greater self-reliance in shipbuilding and a stronger presence for Indian yards in global maritime markets.