GRSE Leads India’s Maritime Self-Reliance at Sagar Sankalp

Kolkata, 6 March 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Sagar Sankalp – Reclaiming India’s Maritime Glory, a high-level defence and maritime conclave jointly organised by The Week and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The conclave brought together senior naval officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss strengthening India’s maritime security and shipbuilding capabilities.

Keynote Highlights

In his keynote address, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh emphasized the strategic and economic importance of maritime power. “India’s maritime sector is not just about trade and security; it is about national resurgence. A strong Navy and a robust shipbuilding industry are pillars of a self-reliant India,” he said.

He lauded the government’s push for Atmanirbharta in defence production, noting that Indian shipyards are now delivering complex platforms with increasing indigenous content. “Our shipyards are moving decisively towards domestic design, development, and manufacturing, reflecting growing technological confidence,” he added.

Highlighting the history of GRSE, Singh remarked, “An institution that started as a riverside workshop in the 19th century has evolved into a premier Indian shipyard. GRSE builds frigates, corvettes, anti-submarine warships, and landing ships, and has exported platforms to friendly nations, strengthening India’s defence diplomacy.”

The Raksha Mantri also underlined the evolving nature of maritime threats, including cyber and unmanned domains, stressing the need for an integrated, innovation-driven response. He called for stronger domestic supply chains, greater private sector participation, and collaboration with MSMEs and start-ups.

“Our objective is clear — to reclaim India’s maritime glory through capability, confidence, and collaboration. The sea has always been a source of strength for India. It is time we harness it fully for national growth and security,” he concluded.

GRSE’s Perspective

Cmde PR Hari IN (Retd.), CMD of GRSE, highlighted India’s rich maritime heritage, from Harappan-era trade to the seafaring fleets of the Chola Dynasty and naval leaders like Kanhoji Angre. “Starting with INS Ajay in 1961, a 35-meter seaward defence boat, GRSE has delivered 115 ships over 65 years. Today, a new INS Ajay, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and systems, is being delivered — marking India’s transition from a ‘Buyer’s Navy’ to a ‘Builder’s Navy’,” he said.

Panel Discussions and Strategic Themes

The conclave featured panels on:

Aligning naval shipbuilding with emerging geopolitical realities.
Addressing grey-zone threats and distributed maritime operations.
Building maritime sovereignty through resilient domestic supply chains.
Expanding shipbuilding capacity to meet global trade and energy transition needs.
Positioning India as a competitive destination for shipbuilding and repair through regulatory reform and industrial collaboration.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to translating strategic vision into sustained industrial growth and enhanced maritime capability.