Hyderabad : Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) Chairman and Managing Director Cmde P.R. Hari, IN (Retd.), has emphasized the critical role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in transforming India into a global defence manufacturing powerhouse during the 2nd Defence MSME Manufacturers Forum held in Hyderabad.
The forum, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), brought together defence manufacturers, MSMEs, industry leaders, startups, research institutions, and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening India’s indigenous defence ecosystem and expanding its global footprint.
‘Make in India for the World’ Should Be the Next Milestone
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Make in India for the World – The Road Ahead,” Cmde P.R. Hari highlighted the need for India to move beyond domestic manufacturing and establish itself as a reliable global supplier of advanced defence products.
He said that India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, combined with technological innovation and industrial collaboration, provide a strong foundation for achieving the country’s ambition of becoming an international defence production hub.
According to Hari, the “Make in India for the World” vision will enable Indian defence companies to compete successfully in global markets while contributing to national self-reliance.
MSMEs Are the Backbone of India’s Defence Supply Chain
The GRSE CMD described MSMEs as the backbone of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, recognizing their vital contribution to the production of components, systems, engineering solutions, and specialized equipment required for defence platforms.
He emphasized that strengthening the MSME sector would not only enhance domestic production capabilities but also improve supply chain resilience and boost India’s competitiveness in the global defence industry.
The participation of MSMEs is considered essential for achieving faster innovation, cost efficiency, and localized manufacturing.
Innovation and Technology Will Drive Future Growth
During his address, Hari stressed that innovation, advanced technologies, and collaborative research will play a decisive role in shaping the future of India’s defence manufacturing sector.
He encouraged industries to embrace emerging technologies, digital manufacturing practices, automation, and next-generation engineering solutions to remain globally competitive.
According to him, continuous technological advancement will be key to developing high-quality defence products capable of meeting both domestic and international requirements.
Call for Stronger Industry Collaboration
The GRSE Chairman and Managing Director also called for deeper collaboration among:
- Industry
- MSMEs
- Startups
- Academic institutions
- Research organizations
He noted that stronger partnerships across these sectors would accelerate indigenous capability development, strengthen domestic supply chains, and foster innovation-driven growth.
Such collaborative efforts, he said, would enable India to build a more resilient and globally competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Strengthening India’s Global Defence Manufacturing Position
The forum focused on identifying opportunities to enhance India’s position as a preferred destination for defence manufacturing and exports.
Industry leaders discussed strategies to:
- Expand indigenous production capabilities.
- Promote innovation-led manufacturing.
- Increase MSME participation in defence projects.
- Develop resilient domestic supply chains.
- Enhance India’s competitiveness in international defence markets.
The discussions aligned with the Government of India’s broader objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and increasing defence exports.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) is one of India’s leading defence shipyards and a Miniratna Category-I Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence. The company specializes in the design and construction of advanced warships, patrol vessels, survey ships, and other naval platforms for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and international customers.
GRSE has been playing a pivotal role in advancing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and supporting the nation’s maritime security objectives.
Key Highlights
- GRSE CMD Cmde P.R. Hari, IN (Retd.) delivered the keynote address at the 2nd Defence MSME Manufacturers Forum.
- The event was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Hyderabad.
- He highlighted the “Make in India for the World” vision as the next phase of India’s defence manufacturing growth.
- MSMEs were described as the backbone of India’s defence supply chain.
- The address emphasized the importance of innovation, advanced technology, and collaboration in strengthening indigenous defence production.
- Hari called for stronger partnerships among industry, MSMEs, startups, academia, and research institutions.
- The forum focused on enhancing India’s global competitiveness and expanding opportunities in the international defence manufacturing sector.
The 2nd Defence MSME Manufacturers Forum underscored India’s growing ambition to emerge as a global defence manufacturing hub. By promoting innovation, MSME participation, and strategic collaboration, GRSE reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the vision of “Make in India for the World” and strengthening the country’s position in the global defence industry.
