India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (November 10, 2025), formally handed over the Miniratna certificate to Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), represented by its Chairperson and Managing Director, Commodore Girideep Singh.
The minister described Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) such as HSL as “strong pillars of the country’s self-reliance,” adding that their performance in operations such as Operation Sindoor underscored the reliability of indigenous platforms.
What does the Miniratna status mean for Hindustan Shipyard?
For HSL, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, the Miniratna status represents both recognition and new opportunity. The designation gives the shipyard greater financial and managerial autonomy, enabling it to pursue capacity expansion, modernisation and new joint ventures with both public and private partners.
Commodore Girideep Singh had earlier said the milestone “reflects the consistent efforts of our employees” and stands as “a testament to resilience, leadership, and teamwork.”
HSL’s turnaround story has been gradual but determined. Established in 1941, the yard served as a cornerstone of India’s shipbuilding capacity but struggled for decades with losses, particularly after the 1980s. Even after its transfer to the Ministry of Defence in 2010, its net worth remained negative. Post-2015, reforms in financial management, productivity, and technology adoption began to show results. The shipyard has now posted profits for nine out of the past ten financial years—interrupted only in 2020–21 due to the pandemic.
What projects does HSL have on the anvil?
As it enters its Miniratna phase, HSL is broadening its technical portfolio. It is actively preparing to build multiple Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), with slipway extension work already underway and expected to conclude by early 2026. The upgrade will enable HSL to construct two LPDs concurrently, marking a major leap in India’s large-vessel building capacity.
The shipyard is also positioning itself as a strong contender for Mine Counter Measures Vessels (MCMVs), with efforts to co-develop advanced designs alongside foreign partners. This aligns with a global shift towards MCMVs equipped with autonomous and high-precision systems.
In a related step towards green innovation, HSL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Ports Association during India Maritime Week 2025 for the development of hydrogen cell tugs. The project will make HSL the first in India to construct a hydrogen-powered tug, reinforcing its role in the country’s maritime decarbonisation goals.
Meanwhile, discussions are in the final stages for the Medium Refit and Life Certification (MRLC) of Russian-origin EKM class submarines. The project, expected to be signed with the Indian Navy by year-end, would extend the operational life of these submarines by roughly a decade and deepen HSL’s underwater refit expertise.
From years of financial strain to a phase of profitable growth, HSL’s journey mirrors the government’s ambition to transform defence manufacturing from a legacy sector into a globally competitive, innovation-driven ecosystem.
How does the government view the role of DPSUs in defence reforms?
Singh declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” urging DPSUs to deepen their focus on research and development, indigenisation, and quality improvement. He launched two new initiatives—the HAL R&D Manual and SWAYAM (Sustainable & Green Defence Manufacturing)—to strengthen innovation ecosystems and green manufacturing practices across the sector.
He directed each DPSU to prepare clear, measurable R&D roadmaps for the next review cycle, emphasising timely delivery and product reliability.