Raksha Mantri Urges Global Collaboration in India’s Shipbuilding Sector at Samudra Utkarsh

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called on international partners to leverage India’s shipbuilding industry to co-develop next-generation maritime capabilities. Speaking at the Samudra Utkarsh seminar organized by the Department of Defence Production in New Delhi on November 25, 2025, he highlighted the role of Indian shipyards in creating sustainable technologies and resilient supply chains while fostering innovation and security.

Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that the Indian shipbuilding industry, comprising both public sector undertakings and private sector partners, safeguards national interests regionally and globally. He stated that India is positioned to contribute to the maritime sector by “building not only ships, but trust; not only platforms, but partnerships.” He noted that the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem encompasses end-to-end capabilities, from concept design and modular construction to outfitting, refit, repairs, and full lifecycle support. Public and private shipyards, supported by thousands of MSMEs, form a comprehensive value chain across steel, propulsion, electronics, sensors, and advanced combat systems.

The Raksha Mantri highlighted India’s achievements in shipbuilding, citing projects such as the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Kalvari-class submarines, stealth frigates, and destroyers. These platforms demonstrate the country’s naval strength and growing expertise in design, automation, and systems integration.

Shri Rajnath Singh also noted that Indian shipyards are expanding in the commercial and dual-use maritime sectors. He referenced the construction of high-end passenger and cargo vessels, coastal ferries, pollution-control and research ships, and the world’s most advanced deep-sea mining support vessel for ISRO and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. He acknowledged the private sector’s contribution through the production of green-fuel vessels, LNG carriers, Roll-On Roll-Off vessels, and high-efficiency commercial ships for domestic and international clients.

“Our shipyards are capable of delivering aircraft carriers, advanced research vessels, and energy-efficient commercial ships. This integrated capability positions India to become a global hub for shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime innovation,” he stated.

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that every vessel currently under construction for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard is being built domestically, reflecting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. He cited policy reforms supporting the sector, including the Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy, and Defence Procurement Manual 2025.

The Raksha Mantri reported that the Indian Navy has 262 ongoing indigenous design and development projects and noted that several shipyards are on track to achieve 100 percent indigenous content within the decade, ensuring minimal supply chain disruptions. He expressed confidence that India’s commercial fleet will also be constructed entirely within the country, supported by modern fabrication lines, automated design tools, and digital shipyard technologies.

Describing Indian shipyards as critical to the emerging Blue Economy, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that beyond defense, vessels are designed for scientific research, marine ecosystem monitoring, sustainable fisheries exploitation, and maritime law enforcement. He emphasized the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in shipbuilding, contributing to climate-resilient maritime development.

Shri Rajnath Singh also acknowledged the humanitarian and disaster relief operations conducted by Indian vessels, including Operation Samudra Setu during COVID-19, Operation Brahma following the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, and the medical evacuation from MV Heilan Star by INS Vikrant. He highlighted that digital transformation, AI-enabled processes, hybrid propulsion, and future-fuel readiness support these missions.

On international collaboration, Shri Rajnath Singh noted the increasing number of foreign ships visiting Indian shipyards for complex refits as recognition of India’s capability and competitiveness. He stated that India aims to become the preferred sustainment and repair hub for the Indo-Pacific region.

On the seminar theme, “2500 BCE – 2025 CE… Celebrating 4,524 Years of Shipbuilding Excellence,” the Raksha Mantri emphasized India’s maritime heritage from Lothal’s ancient docks to modern shipyards in Mumbai, Goa, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Kochi, reflecting a continuous tradition of exploration, innovation, and connectivity.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth described Samudra Utkarsh as an event that celebrates India’s shipbuilding capabilities, highlighting recent innovations and the importance of skill development, collaboration, and export competitiveness for India’s growth as a major shipbuilding nation. He also referenced India’s long maritime history connecting the country globally through seas.

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar referred to shipyards as pillars of India’s industrial strength and self-reliance, noting their modernization with digital tools, automation, and best practices. He stated that India now offers a combination of capability, strategic location, and quality for complex warships, mid-life upgrades, and commercial repairs.

Shri Kumar added, “Our shipyards are not just industrial facilities; they are symbols of India’s maritime resurgence. The Government is committed to modernisation, capacity creation, skilling, industry partnerships, and green shipbuilding. Guided by the vision of the Prime Minister under SAGAR and the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our shipyards are shaping a self-reliant and globally connected maritime India.”

During the event, Raksha Mantri released a coffee-table book, “Shipyards of Bharat – Infrastructure, Capability, Capability, Outreach,” along with two compendiums, “Samudra Navpravartan” and a 10-year AI roadmap for Indian shipyards. He and Shri Sanjay Seth visited exhibition stalls showcasing shipyard infrastructure and expansion plans. Sessions on warship building, submarine construction and refit, unmanned and autonomous systems, and commercial shipbuilding and repair were also organized. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior civil and military officials attended the event.