Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 6 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for a strategic shift from domestic self-reliance to global competitiveness in the maritime sector and stated that India must position its shipyards to construct vessels not only for the Indian Navy but also for friendly foreign nations and global markets.

Speaking at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam after inaugurating major indigenous shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure projects, the Defence Minister emphasised that the nation's shipbuilding sector must transition into a commercially viable, high-efficiency global powerhouse.

'Our goal is not just to become self-reliant. We must become globally competitive. Self-reliance is an important milestone on our path; global competitiveness is our next big leap. India must achieve a position where our shipyards can provide ships and maritime services not only for the Indian Navy, but also for friendly nations and international markets,' Singh said.

Outlining a clear blueprint for the domestic shipbuilding industry to scale up, the Raksha Mantri gave a five-point mantra: 'Our goal should be simple and clear: Design better. Build faster. Deliver on time. Operate efficiently and do Maintenance effectively.'

He stressed that turning India's maritime aspirations into reality requires addressing critical supply-chain and structural factors.

'India has immense potential in shipbuilding. But converting potential into capability and capability into global competitiveness is our next challenge. In this direction, we will need to pay special attention to some key areas such as Timely Delivery, Productivity, Indigenous Design Capability, Supply Chain Resilience, Skilled Manpower, Capacity and Cost Competitiveness, etc.,' the Defence Minister asserted.

Rajnath Singh also urged defence public sector shipyards like HSL to actively integrate local industries and academic institutions to build a self-sustaining defence-industrial base.

'HSL should become increasingly connected to the wider industrial ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh. State MSMEs can become suppliers. Universities can become research and skill development centres. Technology companies can contribute to digital shipbuilding. Startups can develop maritime technologies. And logistics and port infrastructure can support a wider shipbuilding and ship-repair ecosystem,' he noted.

Aligning the maritime sector's growth with the long-term national agenda, Singh concluded: 'Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, our goal is clear: we have to build a developed India by 2047. An India that is self-reliant, secure, prosperous and stands with respect on the world stage.' (ANI)