Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stressed the need for greater self-reliance in the construction of warships, offshore vessels and other defence and maritime platforms, saying indigenous capability is crucial for India's strategic and security requirements.
Singh participated in the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for five expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited (YIL), involving a total investment of approximately ₹3,500 crore. The ceremony was held virtually from GRSE Bhavan in Kolkata.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Five expansion projects were launched for GRSE and YIL.
Total investment is approximately ₹3,500 crore.
GRSE facilities are located at Kidderpore, Shalimar and Raichak.
YIL projects are located at the Metal and Steel Factory in Ishapore.
The projects aim to strengthen shipbuilding, ship repair, metallurgical and defence-manufacturing capabilities.
Rajnath Singh emphasised self-reliance, quality, competitive costs and timely delivery.
The five projects include three GRSE expansion projects and two YIL projects. The GRSE facilities at Kidderpore, Shalimar and Raichak are intended to strengthen shipbuilding and ship-repair capabilities, while the projects at YIL's Metal and Steel Factory in Ishapore are aimed at expanding indigenous metallurgical and advanced manufacturing capacity.
Highlighting the global shipbuilding sector, the Defence Minister said rising demand for naval and commercial vessels, combined with declining capacity in some traditional shipbuilding countries, presents an opportunity for India to emerge as a major global shipbuilding hub. He also stressed the importance of indigenous design, quality, competitive costs, maintenance capability and timely delivery for India's growth in domestic and international markets.
Singh said the expansion of shipbuilding and defence manufacturing could strengthen industries and MSMEs, generate employment and reduce dependence on foreign sources. He urged Indian defence manufacturers to focus increasingly on meeting global demand under the vision of Make in India and Make for the World.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The projects are expected to expand India's domestic capacity in strategically important areas of shipbuilding and defence manufacturing. The investment could also create opportunities for ancillary industries and MSMEs while helping India reduce dependence on imported defence and maritime equipment.
The event was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, according to the official Ministry of Defence release.
