Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 7 (ANI): The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Navy formalised a landmark partnership on October 7 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the fields of naval technology, ocean structures, and advanced engineering solutions. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to enhancing India’s indigenous maritime capabilities.
The MoU signing took place at IIT Madras, with Vice Admiral D Goswami, Director General of Naval Projects, Prof. V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and senior faculty members of the Department of Ocean Engineering in attendance. Brigadier Rajesh Karel, Sr DDG & Chief Engineer, DGNP Mumbai, and Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean i/c of Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research, represented their respective institutions in formalising the partnership.
Prof. Kamakoti said, “IIT Madras has always been at the forefront of contributing to our nation’s needs through cutting-edge research and technological innovations. This collaboration with the Indian Navy is a significant step forward… It is not just a partnership but a symbol of what academia and defence can achieve together for the nation’s self-reliance and maritime strength.”
Vice Admiral Goswami expressed optimism about the alliance, noting, “The Indian Navy is delighted to formalise this collaboration with IIT Madras. The expertise, facilities, and research strengths of IIT Madras will play a crucial role in addressing our future technological needs… This partnership will pave the way for innovative solutions in naval platforms, enhance self-reliance, and foster a long-term association between academia and the armed forces.”
Brigadier Karel acknowledged IIT Madras’ contributions to strategic infrastructure in the Western Naval Command, while Prof. S A Sannasiraj highlighted the department’s capacity for advanced computational modelling and laboratory investigations in ocean engineering. Prof. R Vijayakumar spoke about the Institute’s state-of-the-art Towing Tank facility — one of Asia’s largest — as a vital asset in naval research.
Following the MoU signing, the Indian Navy delegation toured IIT Madras’ Department of Ocean Engineering, exploring laboratories and discussing potential joint research projects, capacity-building initiatives, and training programmes.
The partnership will open new avenues for research scholars, faculty, and students at IIT Madras to contribute to naval projects of national importance, fostering knowledge transfer, internships, and training opportunities. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovations in ship design, hydrodynamic performance, renewable energy integration in maritime systems, and advanced structural analysis for naval platforms.
This initiative reflects a broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing the role of premier institutes like IIT Madras in advancing India’s maritime defence capabilities and sustaining its position as a global leader in ocean and naval engineering.
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