The U.S. Navy has concluded a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with Larsen & Toubro Shipyard in Kattupalli, India, the White House announced on Monday.
The MSRA follows an initial agreement between U.S. Department of Defense and the Indian government last year to allow for the repair and maintenance of U.S. Navy ships in India as one of the ways to promote and enhance diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The White House said the Navy is finalizing similar agreements with Mazagon Dock Limited (Mumbai) and Goa Shipyard (Goa).
The MSRA agreements will allow mid-voyage U.S. Navy ships to undergo service and repair at Indian shipyards, saving time and money for the U.S. military.
Last August, the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC) dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10)underwent a brief routine maintenance period at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shipyard in Kattupalli, marking the first since the initial agreement was reached.
Since then, reporting indicates at least two other U.S. Navy vessels have undergone similar brief maintenance periods at the L&T shipyard.
The announcement from the White House came as President Biden hosted India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on an official state visit to Washington last week.
