India, Korea sign MoU on shipbuilding

The governments of India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and strengthen defence industry co-operation in naval shipbuilding, it was announced on 21 April.

The MoU is part of the overall 'Special Strategic Partnership' between the two countries announced in a joint statement in May 2015. The MoU will be valid for a time period of five years and is automatically extendable for further successive five years at a time.

Under the MoU, the two countries will recommend organisations to collaborate on specific projects. India has nominated Hindustan Shipyard (HSL), Visakhapatnam for the collaboration, while the ROK is yet to name its recommended organisation.

The collaboration will enable HSL to upgrade and modernise its facilities and execute naval projects in a timely and cost effective manner, improving its shipbuilding and project management capabilities.

HSL and the nominated shipyard by South Korea will also find and develop indigenous vendors for the supply of majority of the material and equipment needed for co-operative naval projects, further developing the maritime industries in both countries and supporting India's Make in India initiative.