Recently, India’s state-owned shipyard Cochin Shipyard announced that it has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy, meaning that Cochin Shipyard is qualified to repair ships belonging to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.
“The MSRA is a non-financial agreement and is effective from April 5, 2024. CSL has been qualified for entering into the MSRA after a detailed evaluation process and capability assessment by the U.S Navy,” the shipyard said in a regulatory filing.
Last year, two other Indian shipyards – L&T Kattupalli and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders – signed similar agreements with the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command for ship maintenance. Cochin Shipyard is the third Indian shipyard to sign such an agreement.
This series of agreements signifies that the US Navy is following up on its pledge of using Indian shipyards for ship maintenance, thereby reducing the maintenance cycle and cost of US Navy assets deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, the use of Indian shipyards for ship repair also reduces the pressure on the capacity of the US shipbuilding industrial base as it is unable to meet the maintenance needs of the US Navy.
Last year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, the Indian government invited the U.S. to evaluate more yards for repair deals. In a joint statement after talks between President Joe Biden and Modi, the two leaders acknowledged India’s emergence as a hub for maintenance and repair.
“Partnerships with Indian shipyards will allow the U.S. Navy to expedite repairs for forward-deployed naval assets. As envisaged in the Defense Industrial Roadmap, both countries agree to work together for the creation of logistic, repair and maintenance infrastructure for aircrafts and vessels in India,” added the statement.
Besides the U.S, the UK has bolstered its defense ties with India with two Royal Fleet auxiliary ships arriving last month at the L&T Kattupalli shipyard for maintenance. This is the first time the Royal Navy vessels sought maintenance in India, indicating progress in the UK-India 2030 Roadmap, which reflects the two nations’ commitment to a secure Indian Ocean.
Apart from the US, the UK is also strengthening its defense ties with India. Last month, two Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships arrived at the L&T Kattupalli shipyard for maintenance. This is the first time that a Royal Navy ship has been maintained in India, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to the security of the Indian Ocean.