Indian shipyards must win foreign orders and deliver ships on time, says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) said Indian shipyards must move beyond building for the country’s own needs and compete for orders from friendly foreign nations. The goal, he said at the launch of the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, was to make India a major maritime power.

He called for transforming Visakhapatnam into an integrated maritime industrial hub. Pointing to the city’s strategic advantages (the Eastern Naval Command, the Naval Dockyard, HSL and the Visakhapatnam Port), the Minister said India’s growing maritime power could not rely on the Navy or shipyards in isolation. He proposed a national framework involving the Navy, public sector undertakings, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), academia, industry bodies, MSMEs and startups.

“The objective should be to develop a complete shipbuilding ecosystem around HSL, supported by logistics, port infrastructure, research, technology, and skilled manpower. Visakhapatnam is emerging as an ideal place, transforming as the country’s premier maritime industrial hub. The State government is also supporting well in reaching this goal,” he said.

Indian shipyards should also build a strong global footprint in ship repair, maintenance and advanced maritime engineering services, the Minister said.

The Fleet Support Ship Surya is the first of five in the series. Mr. Singh also laid the keel for the fifth ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated HSL’s newly modernised Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath crane.

The stern of Surya, the Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, in the dock at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam after its launch on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: V. Raju

“The launch is a symbol of what we have accomplished. The keel laying is a symbol of our resolve, and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capabilities,” he said. “If we talk about making India a major maritime power today, we are not beginning a new chapter. We are moving forward to once again strengthen the glorious heritage that India established centuries ago.”

The five ships are being built at HSL under a ₹19,000-crore contract with 82% indigenous content. Surya displaces about 43,500 tonnes and can refuel and resupply several warships at sea at once.

“I take great pride in the fact that, because of your valour and dedication, our Navy is counted among the most powerful naval forces in the world. I am also pleased and proud that the Indian Navy’s presence and strength are strongly felt across the Indo-Pacific region,” Mr. Singh told naval personnel.

Those present included Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard) Additional Director General Donny Michael.