New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Naman Car Rally 2025 concluded on Monday at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, marking a symbolic tribute to India’s journey towards self-reliance in warship design and construction. The rally commemorates the commissioning of the 100th indigenous warship built in India, by India, and for India.
Flagged off from the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal on October 29, the rally traversed India’s coastline, with halt points at major naval cities including Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kanyakumari, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. The participants were ceremonially flagged-in at GRSE by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, AVSM, NM, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A), Indian Navy.
Notable Dignitaries Attend the Event
The event saw participation from senior Navy and GRSE officials, including:
- Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE
- Cdr Shantanu Bose, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding)
- Capt (IN) P Sunilkumar (Retd.), Director (Corporate Planning & Personnel)
- Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO
- Rear Admiral Sujit Bakshi, DG WDB
- Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, ACWP&A
Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit between the Indian Navy and GRSE in advancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
A Legacy of Excellence in Indigenous Warship Production
GRSE’s legacy is intertwined with the Navy’s modernization journey. The shipyard has delivered several critical platforms, including:
- INS Himgiri: Advanced guided missile frigate (Project 17A) – symbolic 100th indigenous warship
- INS Udaygiri: Newly commissioned warship
- Androth: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
- INS Ikshak: Survey Vessel (Large), commissioned on November 6
The shipyard continues to drive innovation and self-reliance in naval shipbuilding, solidifying its status as India’s premier defense shipbuilder.
Towards a Self-Reliant India in Defense Manufacturing
The successful conclusion of Naman Car Rally 2025 underscores India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense production. The rally not only celebrated past achievements but also highlighted ongoing projects and future plans, reinforcing the synergy between the Indian Navy and GRSE in advancing indigenous capabilities.
GRSE: A Pillar of India’s Naval Self-Reliance
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Admiral Swaminathan called GRSE the “most fitting place” for the rally to culminate.
“GRSE is not only one of the oldest shipyards in the country but also one of the finest examples of what sustained excellence can achieve. This is where the first indigenous warship, INS Ajay, was built in 1961,” he said. He highlighted the shipyard’s continued support to the Navy, noting its recent deliveries ranging from stealth frigates to Survey Vessel (Large) platforms.
GRSE has played a pivotal role in India’s naval modernization. Out of the 100 indigenous warships commissioned into the Navy, GRSE has delivered the majority. The commissioning of INS Himgiri, an advanced guided missile frigate under Project 17A, marked a symbolic milestone, while INS Udaygiri also joined the fleet as part of this achievement.
