“Indigenization in shipbuilding will require a careful balance between domestic capability-building and cost competitiveness, given the sector’s continuing dependence on imports for critical components. Strengthening R&D, deepening public-private partnerships, and fostering global collaborations in 2026 will aid Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in the long run.” Vivek Merchant, Director, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI)
The year 2025 was an inflection point for the Indian maritime ecosystem, with a strong policy intent converging into tangible action. The impact of it can be seen in the unprecedented momentum garnered in industry-wide collaborations and the highest-ever investment pledged at ₹12 lakh crore during IMW 2025 for shipbuilding, shipping, and related maritime infrastructure.
Looking ahead, one can be sure that this sectoral buoyancy will gather momentum in 2026. Growth in maritime demand and investment is expected to create cascading benefits across the value chain, including strengthening engineering and manufacturing, generating employment, boosting ancillary industries, and advancing technology-led innovation. Significant progress is expected in the infrastructure expansion of Indian shipyards and the development of maritime clusters as the government gears to deploy its war chest to expand national capacity.
There will still be measured optimism within the sector due to continued global uncertainties and geopolitical dynamics. Shipbuilding is sensitive to global disruptions, making the agility of policymakers and industry players in navigating challenges crucial. Additionally, shipbuilding is a highly capital-intensive sector, which makes additional fiscal support necessary to remain competitive against global heavyweights.
Indigenization in shipbuilding will require a careful balance between domestic capability-building and cost competitiveness, given the sector’s continuing dependence on imports for critical components. Strengthening R&D, deepening public-private partnerships, and fostering global collaborations in 2026 will aid Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in the long run.
Aligned with the new world order across energy, maritime defence, and green shipbuilding, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) is also actively developing a Maritime Cluster and Centre of Excellence to drive growth of ancillary industries and build a skilled workforce. Supported by leading industry partners, SDHI is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the growth of the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem.”
The author is Vivek Merchant, Director, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI)
