SOURCE: AFI


In a significant step toward deepening defence and maritime cooperation, India has extended an offer to provide ship maintenance and repair services to Australian naval and commercial vessels. This proposal, announced as part of recent bilateral discussions, positions India as a regional hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services in the Indo-Pacific, further solidifying the strategic partnership between India and Australia.
The offer to provide ship maintenance and repair services comes as part of a broader framework of defence collaboration between India and Australia, highlighted during recent high-level talks. India’s robust shipbuilding and repair infrastructure, coupled with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), makes it an ideal partner for maintaining Australian vessels. The initiative aligns with India’s ambition to become a key MRO hub for friendly nations in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing interoperability and operational readiness.
India boasts a well-established ship repair industry, with leading shipyards such as Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) offering comprehensive services. These facilities are equipped to handle scheduled and unscheduled repairs, dry docking, refit management, and in-service support for both defence and commercial vessels.
For instance, GRSE, based in Kolkata, has expertise in repairing naval warships, coast guard ships, and commercial vessels, with facilities across four units capable of handling ships up to 145 meters for dry docking and afloat maintenance. Similarly, L&T’s Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai has already demonstrated its capabilities by servicing U.S. Navy vessels, including USNS Salvor and USNS Charles Drew, under Master Ship Repair Agreements signed in 2023. These shipyards leverage advanced technologies, strong supply chains, and experienced teams to ensure timely and cost-effective repairs.
The offer to service Australian vessels is part of a broader Indo-Australian defence collaboration that includes joint projects like submarine detection technology (towed array sonar) and participation in joint exercises. This move is particularly significant given the shared strategic interests of India and Australia in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside the United States and Japan.
India’s proposal also comes at a time when regional maritime security is a priority, with both countries cautious about China’s growing influence and its links with other regional players, such as Pakistan. Posts on X noted that India has cautioned Australia about engaging with the Pakistani military due to concerns over China-Pakistan ties, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
By offering MRO services, India aims to provide Australia with a reliable alternative to maintenance facilities within striking range of potential adversaries, such as those in China. This aligns with the U.S. Navy’s strategy of utilizing Indian shipyards to diversify maintenance hubs in the Indo-Pacific, as seen with the agreements signed with MDL and L&T in 2023.
The offer to service Australian vessels is a boost for India’s ship repair industry, which is projected to grow significantly. According to industry estimates, the global ship repair and maintenance market is expected to reach USD 53.23 billion by 2032, with India emerging as a key player due to its strategic location and competitive pricing. Indian shipyards, supported by a robust vendor network and adherence to international standards set by bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are well-positioned to capture a larger share of this market.
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