Kolkata: In a significant endorsement of its technical expertise and project execution capabilities, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has been awarded the second refit of the Seychelles Coast Guard Ship PS Zoroaster by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
The decision underscores GRSE’s proven track record in timely delivery and quality shipbuilding, while also reinforcing India’s broader maritime cooperation objectives under the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
Contract Signed, Refit to Begin in March 2026
The refit contract was formally signed on Friday, February 6, 2026, by Shri Prasanna Shrivastava, Joint Secretary (Indian Ocean Region), MEA, and Commander Harish Kumar, Indian Navy (Retired), General Manager, representing GRSE.
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According to the agreement, the refit work on PS Zoroaster is scheduled to commence in early March 2026 and will be completed within a three-month timeframe, highlighting the shipyard’s ability to undertake time-bound naval projects efficiently.
PS Zoroaster: A Symbol of India–Seychelles Maritime Partnership
PS Zoroaster holds special significance in India–Seychelles defence cooperation. The offshore patrol vessel was designed and built by GRSE and was formally handed over to the Seychelles Coast Guard by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8, 2021.
The vessel plays a key role in maritime surveillance, coastal security, and safeguarding Seychelles’ exclusive economic zone. GRSE had earlier carried out the ship’s first short refit in 2024, further strengthening its association with the platform throughout its service lifecycle.
Strengthening Regional Security Under SAGAR Vision
The return of PS Zoroaster to India for its second refit aligns closely with India’s SAGAR vision, which emphasizes cooperative maritime security, capacity building, and shared prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
By undertaking the second refit, GRSE is contributing to –
- Enhanced operational readiness of the Seychelles Coast Guard
- Long-term sustainability of maritime assets supplied by India
- Strengthened defence and security collaboration between India and Seychelles
The refit is expected to support Seychelles’ efforts in maintaining maritime domain awareness and regional stability.
GRSE’s Growing Role in International Defence Cooperation
The award of the second refit contract further cements GRSE’s position as a trusted shipbuilding and lifecycle support partner for friendly foreign nations. The Kolkata-based defence PSU has increasingly emerged as a key player in supporting India’s strategic outreach through defence exports and maritime collaboration.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a leading Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. In addition to warship and naval vessel construction, GRSE is a pioneer in modular steel bridge solutions, having supplied and launched bridges across India and abroad for defence, disaster relief, and civilian infrastructure projects.
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