Kolkata: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated Sagar Sankalp 2026 – Reclaiming India’s Maritime Glory, a premier defence and maritime conclave, jointly organized by The Week and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The event brought together senior naval officials, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on enhancing India’s maritime security, naval capabilities, and shipbuilding self-reliance.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Power: Keynote Address
In his keynote, Rajnath Singh highlighted the strategic and economic significance of maritime power. He stated, “India’s maritime sector is not just about trade and security; it is about national resurgence. A strong Navy and a robust shipbuilding industry are pillars of a self-reliant India.”
The Raksha Mantri praised the government’s push for Atmanirbharta in defence production, emphasizing that Indian shipyards are increasingly delivering sophisticated platforms with indigenous design and technology. He added, “Our shipyards are moving decisively towards domestic design, development, and manufacturing, reflecting growing technological confidence.”
Rajnath Singh also acknowledged the historic role of GRSE, remarking, “An institution that started as a riverside workshop in the 19th century has evolved into a premier Indian shipyard. GRSE builds frigates, corvettes, anti-submarine warships, and landing ships, and has exported platforms to friendly nations, strengthening India’s defence diplomacy.”
Read also: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Urges GRSE to Achieve Global Benchmark in Shipbuilding Excellence
Addressing Evolving Maritime Threats
Highlighting modern maritime challenges, the Defence Minister pointed to cyber threats and unmanned domains. He emphasized the need for integrated, innovation-driven responses, stronger domestic supply chains, and greater private sector participation. Collaboration with MSMEs and start-ups was also encouraged to boost India’s naval capabilities.
“Our objective is clear — to reclaim India’s maritime glory through capability, confidence, and collaboration. The sea has always been a source of strength for India. It is time we harness it fully for national growth and security,” Singh concluded.
GRSE’s Perspective: From a Riverside Workshop to a Premier Shipbuilder
Cmde PR Hari IN (Retd.), CMD of GRSE, highlighted India’s rich maritime heritage, from Harappan-era trade to the seafaring fleets of the Chola Dynasty and naval leaders like Kanhoji Angre. He traced GRSE’s journey, noting, “Starting with INS Ajay in 1961, a 35-meter seaward defence boat, GRSE has delivered 115 ships over 65 years. Today, a new INS Ajay, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and systems, is being delivered — marking India’s transition from a ‘Buyer’s Navy’ to a ‘Builder’s Navy’.”
Panel Discussions Focus on Strategic Maritime Themes
Sagar Sankalp 2026 hosted multiple panel discussions centered around:
- Aligning naval shipbuilding with emerging geopolitical realities
- Addressing grey-zone threats and distributed maritime operations
- Building maritime sovereignty through resilient domestic supply chains
- Expanding shipbuilding capacity to support global trade and energy transitions
- Positioning India as a competitive hub for shipbuilding and repair through regulatory reform and industrial collaboration
The conclave concluded with a shared commitment to translating strategic vision into sustained industrial growth and enhanced maritime capability.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), a pioneer in Indian shipbuilding, started as a small riverside workshop in the 19th century. Today, it is a leading shipyard producing frigates, corvettes, anti-submarine warships, and landing ships, with an expanding portfolio that includes exports to friendly nations. GRSE symbolizes India’s journey towards self-reliance in naval defence, blending historical maritime expertise with modern technological innovation.
