Addressing officials and personnel, Shri Rajnath Singh described the ships as floating symbols of India’s sovereignty, reflecting the nation’s presence, technological prowess, and commitment to maritime security. “Aatmanirbharta in defence is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity,” he said, praising GSL for building indigenous capabilities, absorbing advanced technologies, and strengthening self-reliant design practices.
Highlighting the evolving maritime challenges, he stressed the significance of Indian shipyards in countering both traditional and non-traditional threats at sea, including narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, human trafficking, environmental crimes, and grey-zone challenges. The Raksha Mantri noted that the strategic location of GSL, in a city with rich maritime heritage, positions it as a central pillar of India’s defence ecosystem.
Shri Rajnath Singh underscored that modern ships are not merely combinations of steel and machinery but carry the trust of the people and meet the operational needs of the Armed Forces. He called for equipping vessels with state-of-the-art equipment, AI-enabled maintenance systems, and cyber-secure platforms to maintain an edge over adversaries.
The Raksha Mantri also lauded GSL’s efforts in building a high-technology dredger for Belgium, underlining the potential for increasing defence exports and positioning India as a net exporter. He stated that these initiatives align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and reiterated government support for capability enhancement and innovation at Indian shipyards.
Senior officials present at the visit included Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General of ICG Paramesh Sivamani, GSL Chairman & Managing Director Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, along with shipyard personnel.
The commissioning of Samudra Pratap is expected to bolster India’s pollution control and environmental protection capabilities within the maritime domain, reinforcing the country’s proactive role in ensuring stability, cooperation, and a rule-based order throughout the Indian Ocean Region.
