Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, called for transforming Indian shipyards into globally competitive enterprises capable of exporting ships and maritime services to friendly nations and international markets. Singh made the remarks at the launch of Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Developments at HSL Visakhapatnam

Beyond the FSS-1 launch, Rajnath Singh also laid the keel of Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane. Describing the occasion, Singh said: 'Launch is a symbol of our achievement, Keel Laying is a symbol of our resolve, and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capacity. Today at HSL, along with building ships, we are further strengthening the foundation of India's maritime power for the future.'

The Fleet Support Ship programme is considered a strategic enabler, extending the Indian Navy's reach, endurance, and operational effectiveness across the Indian Ocean Region.

What the Defence Minister Said

Singh drew a distinction between self-reliance and global competitiveness, framing the latter as India's 'next big leap.' 'Our goal is not just to become self-reliant. We need to become globally competitive. Self-reliance is an important milestone on our journey; 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,' he said.

He identified timely delivery, productivity, indigenous design capability, supply chain resilience, skilled manpower, capacity and cost competitiveness as the key areas requiring focused attention to realise that ambition.

HSL's Rise: From Debt to Miniratna

Singh highlighted the transformation of HSL over the past decade, noting that the yard's financial position improved significantly following its placement under the Ministry of Defence. In 2025, HSL attained Miniratna Category-I status — a public-sector benchmark — underscoring what he called a 'remarkable' turnaround. He credited both ministerial effort and the shipyard's own workforce for the change.

HSL, which has operated for over eight decades, is described by Singh as 'the custodian of India's national maritime capability.' Notably, this recognition comes as the Centre deepens its push to embed defence shipbuilding within a broader commercial and industrial ecosystem.

Vision for Visakhapatnam as a Maritime Industrial Hub

Singh called for Visakhapatnam to be developed beyond a single shipyard location into a 'comprehensive Maritime Industrial Hub.' He envisioned Andhra Pradesh's MSMEs as potential suppliers, local universities as research and skill development centres, technology companies contributing to digital shipbuilding, and startups developing maritime technologies.

He also stressed the importance of an integrated national maritime ecosystem, arguing that neither the Navy alone nor shipyards alone can build India's maritime strength. 'The Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs, and startups should work as an integrated team,' he said.

India's Larger Defence Manufacturing Shift

Singh's remarks sit within a broader decade-long shift in India's defence posture. He noted that Indian shipyards are now constructing advanced warships and submarines domestically — a marked departure from the heavy import dependence of earlier years. The Indian Navy, he added, has demonstrated its capability as a first responder across the Indian Ocean Region, conducting humanitarian, anti-piracy, evacuation, and maritime security operations.

This comes amid India's wider effort to emerge as a credible defence exporter, with shipbuilding seen as a high-value frontier where domestic capability and export potential can converge. Whether the ambition translates into signed export orders will be the measure of success Singh himself has set.