First ever repair of a US Navy Ship in India; ‘Charles Drew’ arrives at L&T Kattupalli shipyard

Source: The post is based on the article “First ever repair of a US Navy Ship in India; ‘Charles Drew’ arrives at L&T Kattupalli shipyard” published in PIB on 7th August 2022.

What is the News?

US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew has arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India.

Why has a US Naval Ship come to India for repair?

At the recent India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, both countries agreed to explore the possibilities of utilizing Indian shipyards for the repair and maintenance of ships of the U.S. Maritime Sealift Command to support mid-voyage repair of U.S. Naval ships.

Note: Enabling the repair of US Navy vessels in Indian shipyards was the conclusion of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement(LEMOA) in 2016.

What is the significance of this development?

Firstly, it gives a huge boost to ‘Make in India’ & ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’.

Secondly, this assumes special significance in furthering the strategic partnership between India and the US. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for deeper engagements.

About Indian Shipyard Industry

Currently, India has six major shipyards with a turnover of nearly $2 billion. 

Under the new innovation ecosystem, vessels capable of undertaking autonomous missions have been built by Goa Shipyard Limited and some of our start-ups. 

Hence, the Indian shipbuilding industry is not just carrying out conventional things but is also amalgamating the latest technologies with it.