Kolkata: In a forward-looking step towards transition from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make from India’, state-run shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with European shipbuilder Naval Group France to collaborate in the surface ship building to cater to the Indian naval requirement.

The MoU was signed by GRSE Director (Personnel) Commodore P. R. Hari (Retired). Under the MoU, the two entities will collaborate and engage to offer high-end surface ships based on sea-proven ‘Gowind’ design developed for export market, a joint statement from GRSE and Naval Group said.

Having built over 100 warships for Indian and foreign naval forces, GRSE will work closely with French and Indian industries. The MoU also seeks to leverage the capabilities of both firms for meeting the growing requirements of the shipbuilding industry and offer a robust world class product utilising the state-of-the-art capabilities of both the organisations, the statement said.

“This blend of modern technology, innovation and management of resources by Indian and French naval industrial leaders will be a real value proposition for international navies.”

“Our association with Naval Group of France aims to set a new bench mark in capitalising export market in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership will set a new ground for surface shipbuilding using design and technology assistance from Naval Group,” GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral V. K. Saxena (Retired) said.

“This will not only bring mutual benefit for both the nations but also enable GRSE to deliver surface ships to friendly foreign countries in line with our Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR.”

On the occasion of MoU signing, Naval Group senior executive vice president for international development Alain Guillou congratulated the team.

“This extension of cooperation with GRSE, with whom we had worked for the propulsion system of Kamorta-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes clearly highlights our long-term investment in India and emphasises the potential of strategic relations between France and India in the Indo-Pacific region,” Guillou said.

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