India’s Goa Shipyard to build eight minesweeper vessels

India has confirmed plans to domestically build eight new minesweeper naval vessels that will be constructed under a contract with Goa Shipyard.

India Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was quoted by PTI as saying: "In-principle it has been decided that the work for constructing eight minesweepers would be awarded to Goa Shipyard Limited.

"This would be under ‘Make in India’ campaign."

The latest confirmation comes as construction of the minesweepers ran into debate after the government cancelled a deal awarded to a firm over breach of a clause.

However, a new tender awarded to the firm earlier has already been called off and an ‘integrity bond’ of $484,378 which was submitted by it has been seized.

The latest deal comes as part of India’s efforts to trim down defence procurement from other nations.

"But in this case, they will be built in India with indigenous technology being used at its maximum.

"Only in case they require technological help, they can get it after following proper procedures.

"Foreign collaborations would be restricted to hi-tech items and technological transfers."

In addition to clearing the waterways for shipping, the small warship are aimed at countering the threat posed by naval mines.

Recently, the Indian Coast Guard revealed plans to induct 150 ships and 100 twin-engine aircraft by 2020, in a bid to bolster security amid escalating threat perception from the sea.