Indian shipyards must compete globally, deliver on schedule: Singh

Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister, has emphasised the need for domestic shipyards to win international orders and maintain punctual delivery schedules as the country seeks to expand its shipbuilding prowess. Speaking on the sector's strategic importance, Singh underscored that consistent execution and competitive capability are essential for Indian yards to establish themselves as reliable players in the global maritime industry.

The Defence Minister's remarks highlight growing government focus on strengthening India's defence manufacturing base through maritime sector development. Singh stressed that securing foreign contracts would not only boost domestic shipbuilders' financial sustainability but also enhance India's technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness on the world stage.

Central to Singh's vision is transforming Visakhapatnam into a comprehensive maritime industrial ecosystem anchored by Hindustan Shipyard, one of India's premier public-sector shipbuilding facilities. The integrated hub approach aims to consolidate ancillary industries, supply chains, and skilled workforce in the coastal city, positioning it as a major shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing centre comparable to leading global facilities.

The government's push reflects broader strategic objectives to reduce India's dependence on foreign defence platforms and build indigenous capabilities across the defence industrial complex. Success in the shipbuilding sector is viewed as critical to meeting India's long-term maritime security requirements and generating high-value employment in coastal regions.