New Delhi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that India aims to become the preferred sustainment and repair hub for the ships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing the 'Samudra Utkarsh' seminar in the national capital, Rajnath Singh stated that ships from friendly foreign nations are increasingly coming to Indian shipyards for the "complex refits".

He said, "Ships from friendly foreign nations are increasingly coming to Indian shipyards for the complex refits, and this is a clear recognition of India's capability, reliability, and close competitiveness. Our ambition is clear - we want to become the preferred sustainment and repair hub for the entire Indo-Pacific region."

Terming INS Vikrant as a "major milestone", the defence minister lauded the "technological maturity and industrial depth" of India's shipbuilding sector.

"India's shipbuilding ecosystem today stands on the strength of the multiple world-class platforms that reflect our technological maturity and industrial depth. In the defence sector, our shipyards are delivering some of the most advanced results in the Indo-Pacific. Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant represents a major milestone," he said.

Reflecting on the country's past, Singh highlighted the maritime technology and trade ports during the Indus Valley Civilisation.

He said, "This theme not only reflects an industrial ambition but a civilizational continuum. Since ancient times, naval power has been a decisive indicator of a nation's strength, security and civilizational reach."

"The maritime story of India did not begin with the rise of modern navies or commercial shipping; it began long before recorded history, during the days of the Indus Valley Civilisation around 2500 BCE. Archaeological discoveries in Lothal, Gujarat, one of the world's earliest planned port cities, revealed sophisticated dockyards, tidal channels, warehouse systems and their navigational design," the defence minister added.

According to the Department of Defence Production, the 'Samudra Utkarsh' seminar is organised to highlight India's "rich shipbuilding heritage and the cutting-edge capabilities of modern Indian shipyards."

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The seminar brings together leading defence shipyards, industry partners, and stakeholders to highlight advancements in indigenous shipbuilding, technological innovations, maritime infrastructure, and India's growing role in global maritime security.