Indian Shipbuilding: The Case to Become a Warship Sellers Nation

India stands at a maritime strategic inflection point with an ambitious naval modernisation plan and a growing need for a large merchant fleet. Its aspiration to become a leading global maritime power depends not only on securing its own naval capabilities but also on emerging as a credible global supplier of ships, both naval and civil. Shipbuilding in India has deep roots, from the Vedic period (2000-500 BCE) through British rule. But the industry declined for various reasons, and resurrecting it has been arduous, particularly in terms of finance and technology – areas where China, South Korea and Japan have surged ahead. Today, the shipbuilding industry stands at a tipping point. Both the central government and coastal state governments (like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu), working with Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, are driving investment, while including foreign shipbuilders like HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) to accelerate capability. This momentum can enable India to compete globally with affordable, high-quality warships that meet the needs of developing nations.