From Drawing Board to Ocean: A Story of Self-Reliance
I remember standing at Mazagon Dock in 2014, watching foreign-built ships dominate
our Naval fleet. A senior officer turned to me and said, “One day, we’ll build these
ourselves.” I smiled politely, but secretly wondered if that was just a dream.
A decade later, I couldn’t be more wrong.
Meet Rajesh, a welder at Cochin Shipyard. Ten years ago, he was fixing small fishing
boats. Today, he’s an apprentice working on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft
carrier. “My daughter says she wants to be a Naval architect,” he told me proudly.
Building More Than Ships
The scene at our shipyards today tells a story of transformation. The rhythmic clang of
Indian hammers, the spark of Indian welders, and the pride of Indian Engineers fill the
air. This isn’t just about shipbuilding – it’s India’s maritime renaissance.
The numbers validate this transformation:
● Over 130 ships built on Indian soil
● 65% of our defense budget now stays in India
● Defense exports soared to ₹16,000 crore in 2022-23, marking a tenfold increase
Innovation in Action
Remember the Scorpene submarine project? When it started, skeptics said we couldn’t
do it. “Too complex,” they said. “Too advanced.” Yet today, our Engineers aren’t just
assembling these submarines – they’re mastering them. I’ve seen young technicians
who once struggled with basic components now confidently handling complex
submarine systems. The Project-75(I) submarines now incorporate indigenous Air
Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, a feat achieved by only a handful of nations.
At our Naval Innovation Centre, teams are developing critical systems we once
imported. “We didn’t just replicate it,” a project lead explained, “we improved it.” That’s
the spirit driving our transformation.
Challenges Turned Opportunities
The journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. I’ve seen the challenges firsthand:
● Technology gaps that seemed impossible to bridge
● Skills that took years to develop
● Supply chains that needed building from scratch
But here’s what makes this story special: each challenge became an opportunity. Take
our defense corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Over 200 MSMEs now produce
world-class Naval equipment, from advanced composite materials to precision
electronics. Each component stamped ‘Made in India’ is a small victory.
The Ripple Effect
The impact extends far beyond defence:
● 100,000 new skilled jobs created
● 6.4 additional jobs in supporting industries for every direct job
● Innovation hubs sprouting around naval centers
I recently visited a Naval startup incubator in Bengaluru. A young Engineer was
demonstrating a new underwater drone. “Five years ago, we would’ve imported this,”
she said. “Now we’re exporting them.” That’s the confidence Make in India has built.
Academic Anchors
Our universities have become crucial partners. IIT Madras’s Naval design center works
on next-generation warship technology. NIT Rourkela specializes in marine propulsion
systems. These institutions aren’t just teaching – they’re innovating.
The professor at IIT Delhi shares, “Students who once looked westward are now
passionate about indigenous defense technology. They see it as their contribution to
nation-building.”
Global Partnerships, Indian Leadership
The transformation shows in our international relationships. From being buyers, we’re
now technology partners. The Indo-French Naval collaboration has evolved from
procurement to joint development. Our Naval systems are being exported to friendly
nations in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Vision 2047
Our roadmap to complete self-reliance by 2047 includes clear milestones:
● 2025: 80% indigenous content in warship construction
● 2030: Full indigenous submarine design and construction capability
● 2035: Development of advanced Naval propulsion systems
● 2047: Complete technological self-reliance
The New Wave
Every Made-in-India warship that sails out carries more than just our flag. It carries the
dreams of thousands of Indians who built it. The pride of a nation that’s learning to build
world-class military equipment. The promise of a self-reliant future.
This Navy Day, as our indigenous ships patrol our waters, they tell a story. A story of
transformation. Of belief. Of India’s journey from dependency to self-reliance.
A decade ago, it was a dream.
Today, it’s reality.
Tomorrow? The sky’s the limit.
Because, we are not just protecting our shores anymore. We’re leading India’s march
toward self-reliance.
Jai Hind!
