According to reports, the USNS Salvor, a Safeguard-class rescue and salvage ship, has arrived at the Kattupalli shipbuilding yard in the vicinity for repair work. This development falls under the Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) between India and the United States, as confirmed by a senior official from Larsen and Toubro (L&T).

The agreement, spanning five years, entails India's prominent private defense company, L&T, undertaking the repair of US vessels. Arun Ramachandran, Executive Vice President and Head of L&T, provided this information.

The USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52), a rescue and salvage ship belonging to the Military Sealift Command, arrived at the L&T Kattupalli shipyard for voyage repairs on July 9. This marks the third occasion of a US Navy ship visiting the L&T shipyard for voyage repairs, following the USNS Charles Drew and USNS Matthew Perry.

As per reports, a ceremonial welcome was extended to the USNS Salvor upon its arrival at the shipyard, signifying its status as the first ship to visit following the signing of the Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA). The event saw the participation of Judith Ravin, the US Consul General in Chennai, Captain Michael L. Farmer, the Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the US Embassy in New Delhi, along with senior US Embassy officials and leaders from L&T.

"This Master Shipyard Repair Agreement is yet another milestone in our ever-expanding U.S.-India partnership. This historic agreement is a direct outcome of the 2022 US- India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and demonstrates US' commitment to utilise repair facilities on a regular basis at the L&T shipyard in Kattupalli," Ravin said.

According to statements made, the agreement is expected to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations and make a significant contribution to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

There is speculation that the signing of this agreement could potentially alter the dynamics of Tamil Nadu's coast and transform it into a geopolitical hotspot. Previously, the United States would often have its vessels repaired in Asian countries such as Korea and Japan.

"We are against war. Let US and China fight anywhere, why should we become potential targets," added Sundarrajan. However, the US has denied this. Captain Michael Farmer, US' Chief of Defense Cooperation, said "US have no plans to set up a naval base here."

This development takes place against the backdrop of China's acquisition of Sri Lanka's Hambantota port through a 99-year lease agreement, which occurred after Sri Lanka defaulted on its loans.

Responding to environmental concerns, Arun Ramchandani added, "We have all environmental clearances. All our expansion will be only within the available 4,000 acres here."

Image source: PTI