In an era where global politics, trade routes, and security dynamics are changing faster than ever before, the message coming from India’s defence leadership is becoming increasingly clear — self-reliance is not a choice anymore; it is a strategic necessity.
Speaking at the maritime dialogue “Sagar Sankalp – Reclaiming India’s Maritime Glory” held in Kolkata, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh underlined that the present global environment is full of uncertainties and disruptions. In such a situation, he stressed that India must strengthen its own capabilities in defence manufacturing, shipbuilding and technology so that the country remains prepared for any challenge that may arise.
The event was jointly organised by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and a private media organisation, bringing together policymakers, naval leadership, industry representatives and experts to discuss the future of India’s maritime strength.
Changing Global Reality: Why Self-Reliance Matters More Than Ever
According to the Raksha Mantri, the world today is witnessing a rapid transformation in geopolitical equations. The traditional global order is shifting, supply chains are being realigned and international conflicts are creating ripple effects across economies.
He referred to the tensions in the Middle East, particularly the importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf region, which are critical for global energy security. Any disturbance in these regions can directly impact the supply of oil and gas across the world.
Such developments, he said, create a situation where economic stability, trade flows and security interests become closely intertwined.
What is even more concerning is that what once appeared to be temporary disruptions are slowly becoming the “new normal” in global affairs. In this uncertain environment, countries that depend heavily on external supply chains may face strategic vulnerabilities.
For India, therefore, the answer lies in strengthening domestic manufacturing capability, technological innovation and indigenous defence production.
Technology Driving the Future of Defence
Another important aspect highlighted during the address was the role of technology in shaping the future of warfare and national security.
Modern defence systems increasingly rely on precision technologies, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and complex integrated systems. These technologies are transforming the way military operations are planned and executed.
Recognising this shift, the Government of India has been pushing strongly for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence technologies, ensuring that the country develops the capability not only to operate advanced systems but also to design and manufacture them domestically.
This approach is aimed at making India future-ready, capable of addressing emerging threats while also contributing to global security.
Strengthening Defence Production Ecosystem
Over the past few years, the government has introduced several structural reforms to expand India’s defence production capacity.
These reforms focus on improving:
- Transparency in procurement
- Financial discipline in defence projects
- Performance benchmarking in production units
- Stronger focus on research and development
Public sector defence companies, often referred to as Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), continue to play a crucial role in this ecosystem. At the same time, efforts are also being made to create greater participation from the private sector, start-ups and MSMEs.
The goal is not simply to produce equipment but to create a sustainable and technologically advanced industrial ecosystem capable of supporting India’s long-term strategic needs.
Shipbuilding Sector: Transforming into Technology Hubs
A special focus of the discussion was on the shipbuilding industry, particularly the role played by shipyards such as GRSE and other Indian naval shipbuilding facilities.
The Raksha Mantri explained that the vision for these shipyards goes beyond conventional manufacturing. The aim is to develop them into advanced technology hubs equipped with modern infrastructure and digital tools.
Key initiatives being undertaken include:
- Modernisation of shipyard infrastructure
- Adoption of digital ship design technologies
- Modular ship construction techniques
- Integration of domestic supply chains
These steps are intended to ensure that Indian shipyards can compete with the best shipbuilding facilities in the world while also supporting the operational requirements of the Indian Navy.
Private Sector Participation in Defence Growing Rapidly
Another significant transformation taking place in India’s defence sector is the increasing role of the private industry.
Government policies now provide a more level playing field for private companies by introducing measures such as:
- Simplified import-export procedures
- Access to DRDO laboratories for testing and research
- Green channel certification for defence manufacturers
- Establishment of defence industrial corridors
- Opening previously reserved DPSU orders to private participation
These initiatives are designed to encourage innovation and allow the private sector to contribute meaningfully to national defence production.
Currently, the private industry accounts for roughly 25 percent of the defence equipment and platform production in India, and this share is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Defence Production and Exports Reaching New Highs
India’s growing defence manufacturing capability is already producing encouraging results.
In the financial year 2024-25, the country achieved a record defence production value exceeding ₹1.50 lakh crore. At the same time, defence exports crossed approximately ₹24,000 crore, marking an all-time high.
The momentum is expected to continue.
According to government projections:
- Defence exports may reach around ₹29,000 crore by April 2026.
- The long-term target is ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029-30.
These figures reflect the increasing global acceptance of Indian defence platforms, systems and components.
From “Buyer’s Navy” to “Builder’s Navy”
One of the most remarkable developments in India’s maritime sector is the transformation of the Indian Navy’s procurement model.
Today, all warships and submarines currently on order for the Navy are being built in Indian shipyards, covering the entire lifecycle from design and engineering to construction and support.
This represents a major strategic shift — moving away from dependency on foreign shipyards to building complex naval platforms domestically.
The Raksha Mantri described this transformation as proof that self-reliance in defence is no longer just a policy slogan but a practical reality on the ground.
MSMEs and Start-ups: The Hidden Backbone of Warship Construction
Behind every modern warship lies a vast network of suppliers, component manufacturers and technology partners.
Thousands of MSMEs, start-ups and indigenous vendors contribute to the construction of naval platforms by providing specialised systems, components and engineering solutions.
This collaborative approach is often referred to as the “conglomerate effect”, where the combined contribution of multiple industries leads to:
- Higher efficiency
- Risk sharing
- Faster innovation
- Stronger industrial ecosystems
Such synergy not only strengthens defence manufacturing but also supports broader economic development.
Major Investment Plans for Maritime Infrastructure
India’s maritime ambitions are supported by long-term national strategies such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Under these initiatives, the government has planned investments of around ₹3 lakh crore to develop modern shipbuilding clusters, port infrastructure and maritime logistics networks.
Policy reforms supporting this vision include:
- Liberalised Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for maritime projects
- Dedicated long-term financing mechanisms for shipbuilding
These measures aim to position India as a global hub for shipbuilding and ship repair services.
Maritime Security and Strategic Vision for the Future
The maritime domain is becoming increasingly important for global trade, energy security and strategic influence.
For a country like India, with a long coastline and vital sea lanes of communication, maritime strength is essential not only for defence but also for economic growth.
The Raksha Mantri emphasised that coordinated planning, technological advancement and institutional synergy will be crucial in ensuring that India’s maritime domain remains secure and prosperous.
He also highlighted the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, pointing to successful missions such as Operation Sindoor, which demonstrate the capability and professionalism of the naval forces.
India’s Ambitious Shipbuilding Targets
Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious milestones for the shipbuilding sector.
India aims to:
- Become one of the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030
- Enter the top five globally by 2047, when the country marks 100 years of independence
Achieving these targets would not only strengthen India’s defence capability but also transform the country into a major global maritime industrial power.
Reclaiming India’s Maritime Legacy
During the event, GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Commodore P.R. Hari (Retd.) also reflected on India’s rich maritime heritage and the journey of indigenous shipbuilding.
He recalled how India delivered INS Ajay in 1961, a milestone that marked the early stages of domestic naval shipbuilding. From that point onward, Indian shipyards have steadily evolved, building increasingly sophisticated platforms for the Navy.
Today’s advanced warships represent decades of technological progress and the growing confidence of India’s maritime industry.
The Road Ahead
The discussions at Sagar Sankalp highlighted a clear strategic direction for India.
Strengthening maritime capability, encouraging domestic defence production, and building technological expertise are not isolated goals. They are part of a larger vision to ensure that India remains secure, economically resilient and globally influential in the decades ahead.
In a world where uncertainty has become the norm, the message from India’s defence leadership remains firm:
Self-reliance is the foundation of national security and the key to safeguarding the country’s future.
