India is making strides to enhance warship exports as part of its initiative to revamp its shipbuilding industry. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has tasked state-owned shipyards, including Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach (GRSE), to expand their facilities and tailor designs for export. This effort is underpinned by India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) vision, aiming to establish itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
India has begun to foster maritime relationships with countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives, successfully delivering smaller naval vessels but has seen limited financial returns thus far. As Southeast Asian nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam seek to bolster their naval fleets to counter Chinese expansion, India is eyeing these markets for its warship exports.
To compete effectively, especially against traditional suppliers from Europe, India plans to offer competitively priced frigates and destroyers. However, improving construction efficiency is crucial, as current delivery timelines of 5-7 years lag behind China’s 3-4 years. The MOD has ordered the adoption of integrated ship construction systems to address these inefficiencies and enhance production capabilities.
