India's defence indigenisation journey has been incremental rather than transformative. Critically examine, with reference to the shipbuilding sector.

Q. India's defence indigenisation journey has been incremental rather than transformative. Critically examine, with reference to the shipbuilding sector. (15 marks, 250 words)

Defence indigenisation means designing and building military platforms domestically to cut import dependence. The June 2026 commissioning of INS Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray at Kolkata — all with over 75% indigenous content — signals real progress, yet the journey remains largely incremental, with transformation confined to select segments [1].

Evidence of genuine advance - In-house design capability: all three ships were designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by GRSE, spanning a stealth frigate, survey vessel and ASW craft [1]. - Build efficiency: Dunagiri, the 5th Project 17A frigate, was delivered in 80 months versus 93 for the lead ship — evidence of maturing Integrated Construction [2]. - Ecosystem depth: over 200 MSMEs participated, broadening the industrial base beyond the shipyard [1].

Why it remains incremental, not transformative - Critical import reliance: high-end propulsion (gas turbines), sensors and weapon systems are still substantially imported; the "75%" masks dependence on the costliest sub-systems. - Slow timelines: multi-decade build cycles lag China's shipbuilding pace, limiting fleet numbers against a two-front maritime threat. - Design ceiling: hull and integration are indigenous, but core R&D in engines and combat management remains a gap. - DPSU concentration: capacity clusters in a few yards (GRSE, MDL), with limited private-sector scale.

Thus India has shifted decisively from importer to builder, but not yet to a self-reliant designer of core technologies. Deepening private participation, engine R&D and export orientation — aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat — can convert steady progress into genuine transformation.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. Indian Navy Set to Commission Three Indigenous Naval Platforms in Kolkata — PIB — GRSE build, WDB design, >75% indigenous content, 200+ MSMEs 2. Indian Navy receives stealth frigate 'Dunagiri' under Project 17A — DD News — 5th P17A ship, 80-month build vs 93 for lead ship