Rajnath Singh Calls for India to Become a Global Shipbuilding Power
India is looking to take its shipbuilding ambitions to the next level, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calling for Indian shipyards to become globally competitive in terms of quality, cost, technology and delivery. Speaking at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam on October 6, Singh said India must move beyond simply meeting its own requirements and develop the capability to serve international markets as well.
The Defence Minister emphasised that self-reliance should be accompanied by global competitiveness. For Indian shipyards, this means developing modern infrastructure, adopting advanced technologies and improving productivity while ensuring that vessels are delivered within competitive timelines. The objective is to establish Indian shipbuilding as a stronger component of the country's wider maritime economy.
First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ Launched
Singh's remarks came during the launch of the Indian Navy's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, ‘Surya’, at HSL. The 43,500-tonne vessel is the first of five Fleet Support Ships being constructed under a programme worth around ₹19,000 crore.
Fleet Support Ships play a critical role in sustaining naval operations at sea. They are designed to carry fuel, water, ammunition and other essential supplies, allowing naval vessels to remain deployed for longer periods without having to frequently return to port. The ships will also have facilities for first-line maintenance and helicopter operations.
The launch is therefore significant not only for indigenous shipbuilding but also for strengthening the Indian Navy's ability to maintain prolonged deployments across the Indian Ocean Region.
HSL Expands Infrastructure
Alongside the launch of ‘Surya’, Singh laid the keel for the fifth Fleet Support Ship and inaugurated an upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath crane at HSL.
The upgraded slipway has been strengthened and extended to enable the construction and launch of vessels of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes. The new heavy-lifting crane is expected to improve HSL's ability to handle large ship blocks and undertake more complex construction activities.
These infrastructure improvements are aimed at increasing the shipyard's capacity and efficiency while creating the foundation for larger future projects. They also support India's broader effort to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas facilities.
Building a Stronger Maritime Industrial Ecosystem
India's shipbuilding ambitions extend beyond the construction of naval vessels. A competitive shipbuilding industry can generate demand across a wide range of associated sectors, including marine engineering, equipment manufacturing, ship repair, maintenance, logistics and specialised services.
Singh has called for Indian shipyards to develop capabilities not only to meet domestic demand but also to provide services and vessels to friendly countries. Such an approach could create opportunities for Indian companies in the international maritime market while strengthening the country's position as a maritime industrial hub.
The focus on global competitiveness also places greater emphasis on efficiency. Indian shipyards will need to compete with established international shipbuilding centres on cost, technology, quality and delivery schedules.
Government Push for Shipbuilding Capacity
The developments at HSL are part of a wider effort to strengthen India's maritime and shipbuilding sector. The government has announced a ₹69,725-crore package covering financial assistance, maritime financing and skill development to support the industry's expansion.
The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and the proposed Maritime Development Fund are intended to improve access to financing and address some of the cost disadvantages faced by Indian shipyards. The broader objective is to increase domestic shipbuilding capacity and encourage greater participation in international markets.
India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 also envisages a significant expansion of the country's maritime capabilities, including ambitions to become one of the world's leading shipbuilding and ship-owning nations.
Visakhapatnam’s Growing Maritime Role
Visakhapatnam occupies an important position in India's maritime ecosystem, with HSL and other major naval and maritime facilities located in the city. The expansion of HSL's infrastructure could further strengthen Visakhapatnam's role as a centre for shipbuilding, repair and maritime manufacturing.
For India, developing such maritime clusters can help bring shipyards, suppliers, engineering companies and skilled workers closer together. Over time, this could contribute to greater efficiency and create an ecosystem capable of supporting both defence and commercial shipbuilding.
The MGMM Outlook
Rajnath Singh’s call for India to become a globally competitive shipbuilding power marks a broader push to take the country’s maritime capabilities beyond self-reliance. The launch of the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, along with the expansion of shipyard infrastructure, reflects growing capacity in large-scale vessel construction. The focus on quality, cost, technology and timely delivery is particularly important as Indian shipyards look to serve both domestic requirements and international markets.
Strengthening shipbuilding can also create wider opportunities across marine engineering, equipment manufacturing, repairs, logistics and skilled employment while supporting India’s maritime ambitions. The ₹69,725-crore support package, upgraded facilities at HSL and the broader Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 provide a foundation for expanding the sector. With continued investment in technology, infrastructure, financing and skills, India can further strengthen its position as a major maritime manufacturing hub and increase its presence in the global shipbuilding industry.
(Sources: Business Today, Hindustan Times, The Economic Times)
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