This signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market, the defence ministry said

Adding a new dimension to the growing Indo-US strategic partnership, US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew has arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India.

The USNS Charles Drew, a dry cargo and ammunition ship, arrived on Sunday. It will be at Kattupalli shipyard for 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas. The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the arrival of the US Navy ship for repairs has provided a huge boost to ‘Make in India’ & ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’.

The event signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market. Indian shipyards offer wide ranging and cost-effective ship repair and maintenance services, using advanced maritime technology platforms, the ministry added.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, who visited the shipyard to welcome the US vessel, described the event as a "red-letter day" for the Indian shipbuilding industry and the Indo-US defence relationship.

He said, “We are indeed pleased to welcome US Naval Ship USNS Charles Drew to India, for making her voyage ready. India’s initiative also assumes special significance in furthering the strategic partnership between India and the US. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for deeper engagements”.

He described the arrival of USNS Charles Drew for repairs as a sign of a maturing Indian shipbuilding industry. “Today, India has six major shipyards with turnover of nearly $2 billion," he pointed out.

Defence Secretary Kumar also asserted that the ties between India & US have been expanding in scale & scope and are based on common values & beliefs of an open, inclusive and rule-based order in Indo-Pacific and rest of the global common systems. He added that there has been a tremendous amount of traction in the defence industry cooperation over the last couple of years between the two countries.

“Indian defence exports have seen a massive increase in the last four-five years. Exports, which were worth about Rs 1,500 crore in 2015-16, have now grown by 800% to around Rs 13,000 crore. A major destination for Indian exports is the US,” Kumar said. He thanked the US partners for their cooperation and support to the Indian defence industry.

US Consul General Judith Ravin called it a new leaf in Indo-US strategic relationship signifying the deepening bonds between the two nations.