HSL CHART COURSE FOR INDIA''S MARITIME SELF RELIANCE Strengthening India''s maritime self-reliance and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a premier shipbuilding hub were the focus of discussions between the Hon''ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, and Rear Admiral Chandrasekharan Raghuram, VSM (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), at Raj Bhavan. During the meeting, the CMD highlighted HSL''s strategic role as India''s only defence shipyard on the East Coast in advancing indigenous shipbuilding, ship repair, and submarine refit capabilities. He also briefed the Governor on the shipyard''s operational and financial turnaround, as well as its expansion plans aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. A key proposal discussed was the establishment of a greenfield shipyard in Andhra Pradesh, with Machilipatnam and Dugarajapatnam identified as potential locations. The proposed project is expected to significantly enhance India''s shipbuilding capacity while driving industrial growth, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the state''s maritime infrastructure. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing India''s maritime self-reliance and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh''s position as a key contributor to the nation''s maritime future.

HSL HOSTS STATE LEVEL MSME CONCLAVE TO BOOST DEFENCE MANUFACTURING ECOSYSTEM Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the nodal Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, organised a State-Level MSME Conclave on the theme, "India''s Defence Sector: A New Era for MSMEs", at Tirupati on 15 July 2026. Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, CA E. Kiran, Director (Finance & Commercial), HSL, underscored the pivotal role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening India''s defence manufacturing ecosystem. He described MSMEs as the backbone of the sector and key contributors to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He emphasised that deeper integration of MSMEs into defence supply chains would accelerate indigenisation, foster innovation, and enhance the country''s strategic self-reliance. The conclave attracted participation from more than 120 MSMEs from across the region. It featured expert sessions by Shri K.K. Yadav, Deputy Director General (DIRW), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, along with senior representatives from the Indian Navy, the MSME Development & Facilitation Office, and the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers). The event served as an important platform to connect, guide, and support MSMEs in tapping emerging opportunities in India''s rapidly growing defence and maritime sectors. It also aimed to strengthen industry partnerships and encourage greater participation of MSMEs in the nation''s defence supply chain.