What are the challenges and benefits of increasing indigenous shipbuilding for the Indian Navy?

India has been emphasizing indigenous shipbuilding for the Navy to enhance self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. This approach has strategic, economic, and technological implications. However, it also faces several challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable growth.

Challenges of Increasing Indigenous Shipbuilding:
• Technological Gaps: Advanced technologies like stealth, propulsion systems, and weapon integration are still largely imported or underdeveloped domestically.
• Limited Industrial Ecosystem: The Indian shipbuilding industry depends on imported components such as engines, sensors, and electronics, leading to bottlenecks.
• Skilled Manpower Shortage: There is a lack of adequately trained engineers, designers, and skilled workers in specialized shipbuilding areas.
• Delays and Cost Overruns: Indigenous projects often face delays due to design changes, supply chain issues, and bureaucratic hurdles, increasing costs.
• Research and Development Constraints: Insufficient investment in R&D hampers innovation and slows the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
• Quality and Standards: Meeting global quality standards consistently remains a challenge, affecting exports and operational effectiveness.

Benefits of Indigenous Shipbuilding for the Indian Navy:
• Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependence on foreign countries, ensuring uninterrupted supply of critical defence assets during conflicts or international tensions.
• Economic Growth: Boosts domestic industries, generates employment, and encourages the growth of ancillary sectors such as steel, electronics, and engineering.
• Technological Advancement: Drives innovation and technological development within the country, building long-term capabilities.
• Customization: Enables the Navy to design ships tailored to specific operational requirements and local conditions.
• Export Potential: Strengthens India's position as a defence exporter, opening new markets for indigenous ships and naval equipment.
• National Security: Enhances security by maintaining confidentiality over sensitive technologies and operational details.