Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh urged Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited to develop niche, state-of-the-art platforms aligned with a technology-driven era and to position the shipyard as a shining example of shipbuilding excellence for India and the world. He addressed GRSE personnel in Kolkata on five March 2026 and linked the appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 objective. The minister emphasised the need for indigenous capability to meet emerging security and commercial challenges at sea.

He commended the shipyard for its long service to nation-building and to the Blue Economy, noting that GRSE has equipped the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard across nearly 150 years with warships and frigates to secure maritime interests. The minister described a modern warship from the yard as embodying the labour of thousands of workers, the innovation of engineers, the precision of technicians and the dedication of the shipyard to the nation. He framed each employee as an integral part of a larger process of national development.

Shri Rajnath Singh praised the firm’s achievements that had been deemed difficult by many and urged personnel to continue with hard work, skill and commitment. He called for the same spirit in the face of new challenges, emerging technologies and increasing competition so that GRSE can become a glowing symbol of shipbuilding excellence domestically and internationally. The appeal included a reminder that the workforce must play its part in transforming India into a maritime power and a developed nation.

A cultural performance by personnel and their families was presented during the visit and the minister viewed it as an excellent reflection of India’s diversity, unity and rich cultural heritage. The event was attended by the Chairman and Managing Director Commodore P R Hari (Retd) and by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the shipyard. The minister reiterated the importance of the yard’s role in enhancing India’s maritime capability and contributing to the nation’s strategic and economic objectives.