Kolkata
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday stressed the need to strengthen Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, saying greater domestic production would act as a multiplier for India’s military capabilities. He said indigenous weapons and systems had demonstrated their importance during Operation Sindoor.
Singh was speaking at a foundation stone-laying ceremony in Kolkata for five brownfield expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Ltd (YIL). He said both organisations were contributing significantly to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The minister highlighted that the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels being built by GRSE would have nearly 80 per cent indigenous content. He also praised YIL’s Metal and Steel Factory for manufacturing steel, aluminium and other components used in weapons systems.
Singh said India should take advantage of the global opportunity in shipbuilding and develop capabilities ranging from ship design and construction to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). He noted that warship construction can take five to 10 years, while large commercial vessels may require 15 to 20 years, making technological upgrades during construction essential.
Calling MRO a major opportunity, Singh said it could generate strong returns with comparatively limited investment. He urged Indian shipbuilders to offer quality vessels at competitive prices and compete aggressively in international markets.
The defence minister also urged greater private-sector participation to address challenges in sourcing quality spares and components. He assured shipyards of government support and said the ₹3,420-crore investment would boost industrial growth and employment in West Bengal. He added that GRSE would be in a position to bid for the Navy’s proposed Next Generation Destroyers.
