Russia's Proposed Indian Shipbuilding Hub Could Become Global Unit

Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation has proposed to the Indian government to set up a production unit in Visakhapatnam, Andra Pradesh.

The proposed manufacturing hub in India could become their global production unit, Alexey L Rakhmanov, president of the United Shipbuilding Corporation was quoted as saying by New Indian Express.

“Russian shipbuilding firms are inclined to set up joint ventures with Indian firms as part of the Indigenization of defence manufacturing equipment,” he added.

“However, there is a long way to go before the final decision is taken", he added.

Indian Navy would need 13-15 sea vessels, but existing shipyards in the country can build five vessels at the most, which in turn gives an opportunity for the ship builders of Russia to invest in the country. “It’s a win-win situation for all,” Krishna Kishore CEO of Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board said.

The shipbuilding is critical to maritime nation like India for both its defence capabilities and for its economic prosperity. “Investment in shipbuilding will trigger investment in other allied sectors that will be nearly 10 times more. Low labour cost is one of the advantages of India,” said Rear Admiral LV Sarat Babu, chairman of Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

Vice-Admiral HCS Bisht, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) said, apart from defense, the strong ties between India and Russia are expanded to other sectors as well.