New Delhi – In a move underscoring India’s strides in indigenous defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy is set to host a high-level seminar titled “Nation Building Through Shipbuilding” on July 23 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The seminar, organised by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), celebrates a historic milestone—delivery of the Navy’s 100th indigenously designed warship.
WDB at the Helm of Indigenous Naval Design
The Warship Design Bureau, originally established in 1964 as the Central Design Office, has played a defining role in India’s naval architecture. It was restructured into the Directorate of Naval Design in 1970 and has since evolved into the WDB, responsible for designing 20 classes of warships—ranging from Seaward Defence Boats to Aircraft Carriers.
On July 1, 2025, the Bureau achieved a major landmark with the delivery of Y12652, Udaygiri, marking the Indian Navy’s 100th indigenously designed warship. This feat stands as a testament to the Navy’s long-term commitment to self-reliance in defence and technological excellence.
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Seminar to Spotlight Policy and Future Tech
To commemorate this achievement, the seminar will bring together key stakeholders from the Indian Navy, shipyards, government departments, defence industries, classification societies, and academia. The aim is to initiate dialogue on policy directions for India’s shipbuilding sector and assess global trends in marine technology.
The one-day event will also highlight challenges faced by Indian shipyards and defence manufacturers as they strive to meet global standards in quality, speed, and innovation.
Shipbuilding as a Catalyst for Nation Building
The delivery of 100 indigenous warships signals more than just naval advancement—it reflects the broader impact of shipbuilding on India’s strategic and economic landscape. As the backbone of maritime defence, a robust shipbuilding ecosystem enables military preparedness while also fostering industrial growth.
From creating high-skill jobs to boosting MSMEs and promoting technological innovation, the sector is central to India’s aspirations of becoming a global manufacturing hub under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The seminar is expected to serve as a catalyst for further cooperation and progress across the defence and industrial sectors.
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