Hailing the role of MSMEs in working with the Indian Navy and in particular with the Eastern Naval command, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command said that the Navy constantly keeps engaging with MSMEs.

Addressing the media personnel on the eve of Navy day the vice admiral highlighted the various indigenisation efforts being carried out by the Indian Navy.

‘As on date 65 of 67 warships and submarines are under construction at various Indian Shipyards. In addition, Acceptance of Necessity for 24 ships and submarines has been accorded, which will also be constructed in Indian shipyards’ said VADM Pendharkar.

Responding to a question by Vizag Industrial Scan on ENC’s engagement with the local MSMEs the vice admiral said that the command actively associated with local MSMEs and MSMEs play a crucial role in supplying to the Eastern Naval Command.

‘We are committed to working with MSMEs and have made several efforts in engaging with the local MSMEs. 

In fact we have issued many maintenance contracts to MSMEs’ said the CinC, ENC.

He further informed that with a vision to keep pace with new platforms and technologies under induction, ENC has made considerable headway in augmentation of technical infrastructure. ’37 projects costing over Rs. 2192 Crore are underway at Visakhapatnam which will enhance the capabilities of the naval base here’ said the Vice admiral.

Reiterating the significance of Atmanirbharta in the Indian Navy, VADM Rajesh underscored that the Indian Navy aims to be fully indigenised by the year 2047.

The Vice Admiral also cited the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation organization (NIIO) and Swavlamban initiative of the Indian navy.

Swavlamban is a guiding document enunciating the needs of the Indian Navy towards developing various equipment/systems/subsystems for various platforms indigenously. 

The first ‘Swavlamban’ document was released by the Raksha Mantri in Aug 2020.