India aims to be defence manufacturer, not just buyer: PM Modi

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday India does not want to remain “a mere buyer” in the defense sector and the country’s defence cannot merely be a market for the world, emphasizing that the defence manufacturing has grown manifold in India, from Rs 700 crore to Rs 40,000 crore presently, referring India’s Maritime sector “Vikshit Bharat ke rozgar engine”.

“No nation can become a major power without maritime capabilities. Development, security and prosperity—all are linked to the ocean. Today, most of the world's trade is undertaken through maritime routes. The vast data networks connecting the world pass under the sea. In the coming times, critical minerals, deep-sea resources, and new sources of energy will also be linked to the ocean. The country with strong maritime capability will also have an equally strong economic and strategic strength,” Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister today commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval ships INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate, INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large) and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.



"Designed by the India Navy's Warship Design Bureau and by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and constructed by GRSE, the vessels represent key operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying, and anti-submarine warfare. Together, they reflect the Navy's balanced approach to capability development, strengthening blue-water operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and securing coastal waters against evolving threats," a MoD statement said.

“Till 2014, the defence manufacturing has grown from Rs 700 crore to Rs 40,000 crore defence manufacturing presently. It is just the beginning. But the progress in last 12 years show, when policies and staregies are in place,” the Prime Minister said. “The identity of my strength is not defined by becoming a market for the world but capability lies in my self-reliance. India wants to become a manufacturer.”

The Prime Minister said that all three naval ships were designed by the India and built in Kolkata by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), with extensive participation by Indian engineers, including more than 200 plus MSMEs. These ships are also a testament to India’s journey to “Aatmanirbharat”. “A modern ship needs, lakh tonnes of steel, electronics, thousands of youth and 200 plus MSMEs have contributed in it building in these three warships,” he said.

The PM congratulated Indian Navy, the scientists, engineers, workers associated with these ship building. “June 21, also celebrated as World Hydrography Day, and it is a coincidence that today India's most advanced hydrography ship INS Sanshodhak is commissioned on this day,” PM said.