Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) Chairman and Managing Director Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), addressed the inaugural session of the 13th CII Manufacturing Conclave East 2026 held at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, on July 18, 2026.
During his address, the GRSE CMD shared the defence industry’s perspective on strengthening manufacturing capabilities in Eastern India and highlighted the growing importance of the defence sector in accelerating industrial development, innovation, and economic growth.
Defence Manufacturing Emerging as a Key Driver of Industrial Growth
Cmde PR Hari highlighted that India’s defence manufacturing sector has become a major contributor to strengthening the country’s industrial ecosystem.
He stated that the sector is helping create a stronger and more resilient manufacturing value chain by generating opportunities for various industries, including:
- Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Start-ups
- Ancillary manufacturing industries
- Technology-driven enterprises
The expansion of defence manufacturing is also supporting large-scale skilled employment generation while encouraging innovation and enhancing India’s indigenous production capabilities.
Defence Sector Creating Opportunities for MSMEs and Start-ups
The GRSE CMD emphasized the important role of MSMEs and start-ups in building a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He noted that increased participation of smaller enterprises in defence production is helping develop local capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and promote technological advancement across the manufacturing sector.
The growing defence industrial base is creating new business opportunities and enabling Indian companies to contribute to advanced manufacturing projects.
Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Needed for Global Competitiveness
Cmde PR Hari stressed the need for stronger collaboration between industry, government, and academic institutions to establish a globally competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem.
According to him, greater cooperation among these stakeholders can help:
- Accelerate technological innovation
- Improve manufacturing efficiency
- Develop advanced skills
- Strengthen India’s position in the global defence market
Such partnerships will be crucial for achieving long-term growth and enhancing India’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing.
GRSE Supports Vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat
Reaffirming GRSE’s commitment to national development, Cmde PR Hari stated that a strong defence manufacturing sector is essential for achieving the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
He highlighted that continuous investment in indigenous defence production, research, innovation, and industrial partnerships will help India emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
The defence manufacturing ecosystem is expected to play a significant role in boosting economic growth while reducing dependence on imported technologies and equipment.
13th CII Manufacturing Conclave East 2026 Focuses on Industrial Growth
The 13th CII Manufacturing Conclave East 2026 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in India’s manufacturing sector.
The event focused on strengthening industrial capabilities, promoting innovation, and creating a roadmap for sustainable manufacturing growth in the eastern region of India.
GRSE’s participation highlighted the strategic importance of defence manufacturing in shaping India’s future industrial landscape.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a leading shipbuilding company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Headquartered in Kolkata, GRSE specializes in designing and constructing warships for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The company has played a significant role in promoting indigenous shipbuilding, defence self-reliance, and India’s maritime security capabilities. GRSE is also actively involved in innovation, technology development, and supporting the growth of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
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