The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 7 to collaborate on naval technology, ocean structures, and advanced engineering solutions. This partnership reinforces both institutions’ commitment to enhancing India’s maritime strength through indigenous capabilities.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoU was signed at IIT Madras in the presence of Vice Admiral D Goswami, Director General of Naval Projects, and Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, along with senior faculty members from the Department of Ocean Engineering. Brigadier Rajesh Karel, Chief Engineer, DGNP Mumbai, and Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean i/c Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research, IIT Madras, represented their respective institutions.
Prof Kamakoti highlighted that this collaboration demonstrates how academia and defence can jointly contribute to India’s self-reliance and maritime capabilities. Vice Admiral Goswami expressed optimism, noting that IIT Madras’ expertise and facilities would help address future technological needs for the Navy and foster long-term innovation and partnership.
Department of Ocean Engineering Contributions
Prof S A Sannasiraj emphasized the department’s strength in computational modelling and laboratory research in ocean structures, hydrodynamics, and naval architecture. Prof R Vijayakumar spoke about the Towing Tank facility, one of the largest in Asia, used for studies in ship hydrodynamics, resistance, propulsion, and manoeuvring, which will now extend to practical naval applications.
Research, Training, and Knowledge Transfer
Following the MoU, the Indian Navy delegation toured the Department of Ocean Engineering laboratories, interacting with faculty and students. The discussions focused on joint research projects, capacity building, and training programs that leverage IIT Madras’ resources to solve real-world naval challenges.
This collaboration will provide research scholars, faculty, and students opportunities to work on cutting-edge naval projects, facilitate knowledge transfer, internships, and training, and prepare the next generation of engineers for defence technologies.
Areas of Collaboration
The partnership aims to combine IIT Madras’ intellectual and infrastructural resources with the Navy’s operational expertise to drive innovations in:
- Ship design and hydrodynamic performance
- Renewable energy integration in maritime systems
- Advanced structural analysis for naval platforms
Strengthening Self-Reliance and Maritime Leadership
The MoU is not just about technology but about building a shared vision for a stronger, self-reliant India. It highlights the critical role of premier institutions like IIT Madras in supporting national defence and maintaining India’s leadership in ocean and naval engineering.
