Archive · 17 Nov 2025
India Bolsters Naval Capabilities Amidst China's Shipbuilding Surge
India is building more ships to protect itself because China is building a lot of ships very fast.
This means companies like Mazagon Dock, Garden Reach Shipbuilders, and Cochin Shipyard are getting busy.
These companies are expanding their factories and getting new orders to build submarines, warships, and other vessels.
India wants to make its own ships and become stronger at sea.
This effort is creating many job opportunities and boosting the economy through shipbuilding.
The companies are expected to receive many orders, which will keep them busy for a long time.
India is increasing its investment in shipbuilding to enhance maritime security in response to China's rapid naval expansion.
Three key Indian shipbuilders—Mazagon Dock, GRSE, and Cochin Shipyard—are poised for significant growth due to domestic defence production targets.
India aims to double its defence production and export ₹500 billion by 2029, with shipbuilding being a central focus.
These shipyards are undergoing expansion, investing in new facilities, and securing substantial order books, indicating long-term visibility.
The growth in Indian shipbuilding is driven by the need to protect India's extensive coastline and reliance on maritime trade.
- Who
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE), and Cochin Shipyard
- What
- These Indian shipbuilding companies are expected to benefit significantly from India's increased investment in naval expansion and shipbuilding.
- When
- The growth and expansion are currently underway and projected for the coming years, with specific targets for order books and turnover.
- Where
- India, with specific expansion plans in Nhava Yard, Tuticorin, and outside Kolkata for shipyards.
- Why
- To strengthen India's maritime security, protect its vast coastline and reliance on maritime trade, and counter China's rapid shipbuilding growth.
India's Naval Expansion
China's Maritime Ambitions
Shipbuilding Capacity
India's Naval Expansion
India is investing heavily in its defence ecosystem and domestic shipbuilding to bolster maritime security and trade.
China's Maritime Ambitions
China possesses significantly greater shipbuilding capacity than the US, receiving over 60% of global orders and increasing investment in its maritime sector.
Naval Fleet Size and Growth
India's Naval Expansion
India is strengthening its navy with plans to expand its fleet, focusing on shipbuilding to protect its extensive coastline and trade routes.
China's Maritime Ambitions
China has a substantial fleet and is building ships at a faster rate than any other country, with a focus on its maritime sector which includes 10 of the world's busiest ports.
- China's Shipbuilding Capacity vs. US
- China's capacity is estimated to be 200 times greater than the US.
- Global Shipbuilding Orders
- Over 60% of global shipbuilding orders went to Chinese shipyards this year.
- India's Domestic Defence Production Growth
- Grown from ₹460 billion a decade ago to ₹1.5 trillion.
- India's Defence Export Target by 2029
- ₹500 billion
- Investment Multiplier for Indian Naval Shipbuilding
- Approximately 1.82
- Mazagon Dock Expansion Investment
- ₹64 billion
- GRSE Greenfield Shipyard Completion Target
- By 2028
- Cochin Shipyard Turnover Target by FY2031
- Double to ₹120 billion
