VISAKHAPATNAM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday inaugurated major indigenous shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure projects at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone in boosting the country’s naval and maritime capabilities.
During the event, the Defence Minister oversaw the launch of the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), christened ‘Surya’, laid the keel for the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5), and inaugurated upgraded infrastructure facilities, including a new slipway and a crane.
Addressing the gathering at HSL, Rajnath Singh underscored that the multiple simultaneous developments represent India’s expanding maritime prowess and self-reliance.
“Today we are inaugurating the new Slipway and Gola-Bar crane, laying the keel of a new Fleet Support Ship, and also launching Fleet Support Ship-1, which has been named ‘Surya’. These achievements are significant in themselves, but when all of them are taking place at the same location, on the same occasion, their importance increases even more,” Singh said.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the projects, the Defence Minister stated that modernising shipbuilding infrastructure is directly tied to the country’s maritime security.
“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,” he remarked.
Highlighting India’s historical maritime legacy, Rajnath Singh noted that the current focus on modernising and indigenizing the naval sector is a revival of the nation’s age-old oceanic strength.
“When we speak today of making India a major maritime power, we are not beginning any new chapter. We are moving forward to re-empower that same glorious heritage which India had established centuries ago. And in this maritime journey of ours, Hindustan Shipyard Limited has its own important place,” the minister affirmed.
Lauding the premier defence shipyard for its decades-long contribution to national defence, he added: “Hindustan Shipyard Limited is the custodian of India’s national maritime capability. For over eight decades, HSL has played a crucial role in meeting the country’s maritime and defence requirements.”
Rajnath Singh also lauded the financial and operational turnaround of HSL following its shift under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, commending its transition to a Miniratna Category-I entity.
“Following its placement under the Ministry of Defence, through the efforts of the Ministry and your hard work, HSL’s financial position has seen significant improvement. In the year 2025, HSL attaining the Miniratna Category-I status is a testament to its transformation and the remarkable efforts made in the previous years,” he said, describing the premier facility as the “custodian of India’s national maritime capability” that has served the nation’s strategic and defence needs for over eight decades.
Underlining that self-reliance and naval strength cannot be achieved in isolation, the Defence Minister called for synergy across all stakeholders, from academia to defence startups.
“As far as India’s maritime strength is concerned, I believe that it cannot be built by the Navy alone or by shipyards alone. For this, an integrated national maritime ecosystem is essential. Therefore, my expectations are that the Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs, and startups work as an integrated team,” he asserted.
Highlighting the pivotal role played by the Indian Navy on the global stage, Singh commended the force for being a pillar of stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
“The Indian Navy has repeatedly proven its capability in the Indian Ocean Region as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner. Be it Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Anti-Piracy Operations, Evacuation Missions, or Maritime Security, our Navy has demonstrated its readiness and resolve in every situation,” he stated.
Pointing out the operational value of the newly launched vessel, he said: “Today’s launch of the Fleet Support Ship is a significant step towards further strengthening the Indian Navy’s reach, endurance, and operational effectiveness.”
The Defence Minister invoked India’s ancient maritime tradition, stating that the government’s initiatives are a revival of the country’s historic oceanic legacy.
“When we speak today of making India a major maritime power, we are not beginning any new chapter. We are moving forward to re-empower that same glorious heritage which India had established centuries ago. And in this maritime journey of ours, Hindustan Shipyard Limited has its own important place,” he said.
