Article Posted on : - Feb 23, 2016

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said his ministry is ready to work with the Shipping Ministry to ensure more business for shipyards in the country.

He said he had a discussion with Union Shipping minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the lack of opportunities for shipyards.

"We have to realise the ground realities. Ship-building industry does not have any business because they have become commercially unviable many a time," Parrikar said at an event here.

Parrikar said since the discussion is at a primary stage, he would not like to divulge much.

"But, if Shipping Ministry comes with a proposal, from our side we are ready to share because we believe that more units together can build a better ship-building industry and thereby create more opportunities," Parrikar said.

He said the Defence Ministry can share the ship-building work it has with other units so that other units survive and maintain their capability.