The Defence Minister calls for global collaboration in shaping the future of shipbuilding and maritime security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Samudra Utkarsh.
Samudra Utkarsh: New Delhi, 25 November 2025 — India’s shipbuilding industry is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse, contributing not only to national defence but also playing a pivotal role in the country’s emerging Blue Economy. At the heart of this transformation, India’s vibrant shipyards are poised to become major players in global maritime trade, innovation, and security. During his keynote address at Samudra Utkarsh, a seminar hosted by the Department of Defence Production, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the immense potential of India’s shipyards, urging international partners to tap into this growing ecosystem to co-develop next-generation maritime capabilities.
A Global Shipbuilding Force: India’s Maritime Ambition
Rajnath Singh’s Vision for Innovation, Security, and Resilience
India’s shipbuilding industry, with its unique combination of public sector undertakings and dynamic private sector involvement, has long been a cornerstone of the country’s naval and industrial strength. However, in recent years, this sector has expanded its scope far beyond defence applications to include a wide range of commercial and dual-use maritime technologies. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India’s shipyards are not merely building ships; they are building trust, partnerships, and the foundations of a secure global maritime future.
“Our integrated, end-to-end shipbuilding ecosystem is what truly sets us apart,” said Singh, addressing a diverse audience of industry stakeholders, foreign partners, and high-ranking defence officials at the event. From concept design and modular construction to outfitting, repairs, and full life cycle support, India’s shipyards are equipped with cutting-edge capabilities that span the full spectrum of shipbuilding.
The Indian government has significantly fostered this ecosystem through forward-looking policies such as the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to make India a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime innovation. “We are not just building platforms, but also resilient, sustainable supply chains and a future-ready maritime ecosystem,” Singh added.
Advancing India’s Maritime Power
Flagship Projects and Technological Mastery
India’s shipyards have already achieved significant milestones in advancing the country’s maritime power. Notably, the construction of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, along with the Kalvari-class submarines, stealth frigates, and destroyers, underscores India’s growing naval capabilities and technological maturity. Singh pointed out that these flagship projects are not only proof of India’s strength at sea but also a demonstration of its expanding design and automation capabilities.
“Our naval platforms showcase India’s high level of technical sophistication, including automation, systems integration, and cutting-edge combat systems,” said the Defence Minister. “These platforms reflect our industrial depth, built through decades of expertise, commitment, and collaboration between our public and private sectors.”
India’s shipyards have also gained global attention for their work on high-end passenger vessels, LNG carriers, pollution-control ships, and even a deep-sea mining support vessel commissioned by ISRO and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). According to Singh, these projects illustrate the versatility of India’s maritime industry, which is poised to become a key player in commercial shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime innovation on a global scale.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Samudra Utkarsh.
India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Shipbuilding as a Cornerstone of National Self-Reliance
Shipyards Underpin India’s Strategic Defence and Maritime Ambitions
A crucial aspect of India’s shipbuilding transformation is its focus on self-reliance, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Every ship currently under construction for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard is being built within India’s borders, highlighting the country’s commitment to developing a completely indigenous shipbuilding industry.
“Some of our shipyards are on track to achieve 100% indigenous content within this decade. This means that the ships we build will be less dependent on global supply chains, making them more resilient in times of crises,” said Singh. “This is a testament to India’s industrial growth, our strategic focus on self-reliance, and our vision to secure not just our nation’s interests but the maritime security of the entire Indo-Pacific region.”
India’s shift towards indigenous shipbuilding also aligns with the government’s efforts to bolster its national defence capabilities. Singh pointed out that the Indian Navy currently has 262 ongoing indigenous design and development projects in various stages of progress, covering everything from advanced warships to submarines and auxiliary vessels.
Green and Sustainable Shipbuilding
The Move Toward Climate-Resilient Maritime Practices
As part of India’s growing Blue Economy, the shipbuilding industry is increasingly adopting green technologies and sustainable practices. The Defence Minister highlighted the importance of reducing the carbon footprint of India’s shipyards and positioning them as contributors to climate-resilient maritime growth.
“Indian shipyards are incorporating cutting-edge green technologies, including hybrid propulsion systems and future fuels, to align with global standards and climate change goals,” Singh explained. These practices are positioning India as a leader in green shipbuilding, with a growing emphasis on efficiency, pollution control, and sustainable maritime operations.
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India’s Role in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Missions
Ships That Save Lives and Protect Borders
India’s shipyards are not only a source of naval power but also play a crucial role in humanitarian missions. Singh pointed to several recent operations that showcased the versatility and reliability of Indian-built vessels, such as Operation Samudra Setu during the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Brahma during the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, and the medical evacuation of crew members from the MV Heilan Star by INS Vikrant earlier this year.
“Indian shipyards build ships that not only protect our borders but also save lives and maintain global maritime stability,” Singh said. These humanitarian operations are made possible through advancements in shipbuilding technologies, such as AI-enabled shipyard processes, which increase the efficiency and operational readiness of Indian vessels.
A Future-Ready Maritime Hub
Global Recognition and the Indo-Pacific Vision
India’s shipyards are increasingly attracting foreign interest, with more and more foreign ships visiting Indian facilities for complex refits and repairs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to this trend as a clear recognition of India’s growing capabilities, reliability, and cost competitiveness in the global shipbuilding market.
“We aim to become the preferred hub for ship sustainment and repair in the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Singh said. This vision is in line with the country’s broader maritime strategy, which is governed by the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and the Maritime India Vision 2030.
Celebrating India’s Rich Maritime Legacy
From Lothal to Modern Shipyards
The theme of Samudra Utkarsh — “2500 BCE – 2025 CE: Celebrating 4,524 Years of Shipbuilding Excellence” — encapsulated India’s long and rich maritime history. Rajnath Singh reminded the audience that India’s maritime journey began with the ancient docks of Lothal in the Indus Valley civilisation, and this legacy continues today through the modern shipyards in Mumbai, Goa, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Kochi.
“The spirit of exploration, innovation, and connectivity has been a hallmark of India’s maritime history for thousands of years. Today, we continue to carry that legacy forward with cutting-edge shipbuilding capabilities,” Singh remarked.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Maritime India
A Collaborative Approach to Innovation and Skill Development
As the event concluded, Defence Secretary Sanjeev Kumar emphasised the government’s commitment to continuing to modernise and strengthen India’s shipbuilding sector. “Our shipyards are not just factories; they are symbols of India’s maritime resurgence and growing national confidence,” he said. “With the support of innovative policies, global collaborations, and a focus on sustainable practices, India is poised to lead the world in maritime security, trade, and technological innovation.”
In the coming years, the Indian shipbuilding industry is set to grow even further, positioning the country as a global maritime leader, backed by advanced technologies, skilled workforce, and world-class infrastructure. The Samudra Utkarsh seminar marked not just a celebration of India’s maritime achievements, but also a clear signal that India’s shipyards are ready to meet the challenges of the future.
Samudra Utkarsh:
The Defence Minister launched a coffee-table book, Shipyards of Bharat – Infrastructure, Capability, Outreach, and two important compendiums: Samudra Navpravartan and a 10-year AI roadmap for Indian shipyards.
Special sessions on warship building, submarine construction/refit, unmanned systems, and commercial shipbuilding & repair were also organised.
Senior military officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, attended the event, reaffirming the importance of India’s shipbuilding capabilities for national security and global maritime stability.
