Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is India’s most strategically important shipyard. It plays a crucial role in building advanced warships and submarines. As of 2024, MDL has the capacity to handle 11 submarines and 10 warships at a time. Despite its importance, the shipyard faces a leadership crisis.
Leadership Struggle at MDL
A leadership struggle has gripped MDL. The shipyard has not had a full-time Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) for a while. Instead, officials are given additional charges to keep operations running. A shipyard of this strategic significance needs a dedicated leader who is responsible and accountable for performance. The absence of such leadership poses long-term risks.
Is MDL Being Deliberately Held Back?
MDL competes directly with private sector giants. It appears that the shipyard is being deliberately held back, with the CMD position used as a tool. MDL is a public sector undertaking (PSU) managed by the Ministry of Defence, with the Government of India holding an 84.83% stake. The shipyard has a rich legacy spanning 91 years. It has built cutting-edge submarines like the Kalvari-class and Shishumar-class. It has also constructed advanced warships such as the Nilgiri-class, Kolkata-class, and Visakhapatnam-class.
Leadership Controversy
Commander Jasbir Singh, Indian Navy (Retd.), took over as Director (Submarine and Heavy Engineering) at MDL in 2019. He was supposed to become the CMD. However, an old vigilance inquiry surfaced at the crucial moment. Instead, Biju George, who was Director (Shipbuilding) and held additional charge of Director (Finance), was appointed CMD with additional responsibilities effective March 1, 2025.
Sources indicate that similar inquiries are pending against him as well, yet these were overlooked. This raises serious questions about transparency and fairness in leadership appointments at MDL.
The Bigger Question: Who Benefits from MDL’s Crisis?
The real issue is the intent behind these delays and struggles. Why is India’s most strategic shipyard left without a full-time leader? Why is there a power struggle at the top? Are private shipyards, eager for a bigger share of defense contracts, influencing these disruptions?
The absence of clear leadership at MDL impacts India’s defense preparedness. It also weakens India’s position in the global shipbuilding sector. A stable and accountable leadership structure is essential to ensure MDL continues to serve national interests effectively.
MDL’s leadership crisis is a matter of national concern. The shipyard needs a full-time CMD who can drive innovation and efficiency. Strategic decisions should prioritize national security over corporate or political interests. The government must act swiftly to resolve the leadership struggle and ensure MDL remains a global leader in warship and submarine production.
Leave a Reply