US Navy Ship arrives in India for repairs for first time ever, major boost to ‘Make in India’ initiative
Adding a new dimension to the burgeoning Indo-US strategic partnership, US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai today for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. This will give a huge boost to ‘Make in India’ & ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence sector. Ministry of Defence in a statemetn said that the US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The event signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market. Indian shipyards offer wide ranging and cost-effective ship repair and maintenance services, using advanced maritime technology platforms.
Terming the event as a red-letter day for the Indian shipbuilding industry and the Indo-US defence relationship, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said, we are indeed pleased to welcome US Naval Ship USNS Charles Drew to India, for making her voyage ready. He said, India’s initiative also assumes special significance in furthering the strategic partnership between India and the US. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for deeper engagements.
Dr Kumar said that Indian defence exports have seen a massive increase in the last four-five years. He said, the exports, which were worth about 1,500 crore rupees in 2015-16, have now grown by 800 per cent to around 13 thousand crore rupees.
The USNS Charles Drew will be at Kattupalli shipyard for a period of eleven days and undergo repairs in various areas.
