"Aatmanirbharta in defence is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity": Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh visited GSL (Goa Shipyard Limited) on Sunday, the eve of commissioning the Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) 'Samudra Pratap' into the ICG (Indian Coast Guard).

'Samudra Pratap' is the first of two PCVs built by the GSL and will be commissioned in Goa in the presence of the Defence Minister on January 05, 2026.

Singh asserted that non-traditional threats are constantly increasing alongside traditional challenges in the maritime domain.

"We face numerous challenges at sea, such as narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, human trafficking, environmental crimes, and grey-zone challenges. In such a situation, the role of shipyards becomes even more critical. Located in a city which is the centre of the country's maritime history, naval heritage, and strategic foresight, the GSL is one of the pillars of India's defence ecosystem, bearing the responsibility for maritime security," he said.

"The ships built by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and other Indian yards for the Indian Navy & the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) are the floating symbols of India's sovereignty, representing our presence, capability, and resolve on the high seas," said Rajnath Singh.

Rajnath Singh described Aatmanirbharta in defence as not a luxury but a strategic necessity, lauding institutions such as the GSL for turning this necessity into reality.

The GSL is developing capabilities, absorbing technology, and strengthening indigenous design, resulting in the timely delivery of equipment to the Armed Forces and accelerating the pace toward national self-reliance, he said.

Underlining the critical role played by the Indian shipyards in today's complex security environment, Singh asserted that non-traditional threats are constantly increasing alongside traditional challenges in the maritime domain.

"We face numerous challenges at sea, such as narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, human trafficking, environmental crimes, and grey-zone challenges. In such a situation, the role of shipyards becomes even more critical. Located in a city which is the center of the country's maritime history, naval heritage, and strategic foresight, the GSL is one of the pillars of India's defence ecosystem, bearing the responsibility for maritime security," he said.

Rajnath Singh emphasised that a ship is not merely an amalgamation of steel, machinery, and technology; it is a symbol of public trust and the expectations & needs of the Armed Forces. The GSL has fulfilled this trust and expectations for years, he said.

Singh stressed that India is emerging as a proactive maritime nation, and its role in ensuring stability, cooperation, and the rule-based order throughout the Indian Ocean Region is steadily increasing. He exhorted the institutions such as the GSL to further support India's credibility in the future.

"In view of the growing importance of technology in the defence sector, we will have to adapt to this changing landscape. We must focus on equipping the ships with state-of-the-art equipment, AI-enabled maintenance, and cyber-secure platforms to gain an edge over our adversaries. I am confident that the GSL will demonstrate leadership in this transformation as well," he added.

Appreciating the efforts of the GSL towards building a high-technology dredger for Belgium, Rajnath Singh endorsed enhanced focus on increasing defence exports with an aim to make India a self-reliant nation as well as a net defence exporter.

"To realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, we must ensure continuous progress through hard work and commitment," he said, extending the Government's full support to the capability enhancement of institutions such as GSL.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General, ICG DG Paramesh Sivamani, Chairman & Managing Director, GSL Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay and personnel of the shipyard were present on the occasion. (ANI)