SOURCE: AFI
The United States and India are collaborating on a potential expansion of their strategic partnership. This involves auditing Kolkata Port to assess its suitability for a new Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA).
An MSRA would allow US Navy warships stationed in the Indo-Pacific to access critical repair and maintenance services at Kolkata Port. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of both nations to establish India as a key hub for US naval upkeep in the region.
The move comes on the heels of successful MSRAs signed by the US Navy with Larsen & Toubro and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. last year. Just recently, Cochin Shipyard Ltd. joined the growing list of Indian shipyards authorized to service American warships. These agreements grant access to crucial Indian port facilities, including Cochin and Chennai’s Kattupalli shipyard. Additionally, discussions are underway for a similar agreement with Goa Shipyard Ltd.
The inclusion of Kolkata Port in this network signifies a potential geographic expansion of this vital collaboration. A successful audit paves the way for US Navy vessels to benefit from Kolkata’s repair capabilities, further strengthening the US-India defense partnership in the Indo-Pacific.