Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called on Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited to develop advanced and innovation-driven ships and platforms in line with rapidly evolving technology. He said the shipyard will play a crucial role in achieving the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing employees and their families at the GRSE complex in Kolkata, Singh said the present era is driven by technological advancement and institutions like GRSE must adapt to these changes to maintain excellence in shipbuilding.
“Today is the age of technology. GRSE must align with these developments and build ships and platforms that become symbols of excellence in shipbuilding not only in India but across the world,” the Defence Minister said.
Praising GRSE’s contribution to nation-building and the maritime economy, Singh said Indian shipyards represent an important chapter in the country’s industrial and defence history. He noted that for over a century and a half, GRSE has supplied the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard with powerful warships, frigates and other vessels that have played a vital role in protecting India’s maritime interests.
Highlighting the efforts behind shipbuilding, Singh said a modern warship is more than just steel and machinery. “When a modern warship built by you sails through the ocean waves, it represents the hard work of thousands of workers, the innovation of engineers, the precision of technicians and the dedication towards the nation,” he said.
The Defence Minister described GRSE employees as an integral part of the nation-building mission. He said their dedication, skills and commitment have helped the organisation achieve remarkable milestones and urged them to continue working with the same spirit in the future.
“New challenges will arise, new technologies will emerge and competition will increase, but with the same hard work and commitment, GRSE will become a shining star of shipbuilding excellence in India and across the world,” Singh added.
During the event, employees of GRSE and their families presented colourful cultural performances in honour of the Defence Minister. Singh praised the programme, saying it reflected India’s diversity, unity and rich cultural heritage.
The event was attended by GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Commodore P.R. Hari (Retd.), senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and other senior officers of the shipyard.
