Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday underscored the growing strategic importance of Indian shipyards in safeguarding national interests amid an increasingly complex maritime security environment. He made the remarks during his visit to Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), ahead of the commissioning of the Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) Samudra Pratap into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on January 5, 2026.

Samudra Pratap is the first of two PCVs being built by GSL, reflecting India’s strong push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbharta initiative.

Aatmanirbharta and Future Readiness

Emphasising that self-reliance in defence is a strategic imperative rather than an option, Singh lauded GSL for enhancing indigenous design capabilities, assimilating advanced technologies and ensuring timely delivery of platforms to the Armed Forces. He remarked that warships are not merely technological assets but represent public trust, preparedness and national resolve.

As India strengthens its role as a proactive maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region, the Defence Minister urged shipyards to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven maintenance systems and robust cyber-security frameworks. He also welcomed GSL’s expanding role in defence exports, aligning it with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Rising Non-Traditional Maritime Threats

Highlighting evolving maritime challenges, Singh pointed to the rise of non-traditional threats including narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, human trafficking, environmental crimes and grey-zone activities, alongside conventional security concerns. In this context, he described Indian shipyards as critical enablers of maritime security.

Calling GSL a key pillar of India’s defence ecosystem, Singh said vessels built for the Navy and Coast Guard are “floating symbols of India’s sovereignty,” showcasing the nation’s presence, capability and determination across the high seas.

Senior defence officials and GSL leadership were present during the visit.