Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 6, 2026 called for Indian shipyards to become globally competitive by building ships and providing maritime services to friendly nations and international markets alongside meeting the requirements of the Indian Navy. He was speaking at the launch of Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) in Visakhapatnam.
“Our goal is not just to become self-reliant. We must become globally competitive. Self-reliance is an important milestone on our path; global competitiveness is our next big leap,” Singh said.
He said India should reach a position where its shipyards can provide ships and maritime services not only to the Indian Navy but also to friendly countries and international markets.
Five-point goal
Singh outlined a simple objective for the shipbuilding industry: “Design better. Build faster. Deliver on time. Operate efficiently and do maintenance effectively.”
He said India has significant potential in shipbuilding, but converting that potential into capability and then into global competitiveness remains the next challenge.
He identified several areas requiring greater attention, including timely delivery, productivity, indigenous design capability, supply chain resilience, skilled manpower, capacity and cost competitiveness.
Singh also highlighted the role of logistics and port infrastructure in supporting a broader shipbuilding and ship-repair ecosystem.
Wider goal
Singh linked the shipbuilding push to India’s broader national development objectives.
“Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, our goal is clear: we have to build a developed India by 2047. An India that is self-reliant, secure, prosperous and stands with respect on the world stage,” he said.
HSL projects
During his visit to HSL, Singh launched FSS-1, laid the keel for Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane.
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