Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India aims to become the preferred sustainment and repair hub for ships operating in the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at the Samudra Utkarsh seminar in New Delhi, Singh highlighted that an increasing number of friendly foreign navies are choosing Indian shipyards for complex refits — a reflection of India’s growing capability, credibility and competitiveness in the maritime domain.
He said India’s ambition is clear: to emerge as the primary repair and maintenance destination for the entire Indo-Pacific.
Calling INS Vikrant a “major milestone”, the Defence Minister praised the technological maturity and industrial strength of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem, noting that domestic shipyards are delivering advanced platforms across the region.
Singh also traced India’s maritime heritage to the Indus Valley Civilisation, citing Lothal’s ancient dockyards and navigational design as early examples of India’s maritime prowess.
The Samudra Utkarsh seminar, organised by the Department of Defence Production, showcases India’s shipbuilding heritage and modern capabilities, bringing together defence shipyards, industry partners and stakeholders to discuss advances in indigenous shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure and India’s expanding role in global maritime security. (Agencies)
