In a notable advancement for naval innovation, the Indian Navy has formalized a partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering expertise in crew-centric warship design. This agreement, finalized on October 16, 2025, seeks to significantly improve habitability, operational efficiency, and safety on Indian naval vessels.
The MoU was officially signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit) of the Indian Navy, and Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. The collaboration will see researchers from IIT Delhi’s Department of Design closely examine both current and future naval construction projects. Their role includes providing essential insights on safety, ergonomics, user experience, and habitability to create indigenous standards prioritizing crew welfare.
Rear Admiral Rawal articulated the significance of this initiative, stating that it signifies a stride towards ensuring that Indian warships are not only combat-ready but also exemplary regarding crew comfort and efficiency. He pointed out that the collaboration introduces a systematic, process-driven methodology towards enhancing onboard living conditions, integrating principles of ergonomics and human factors into naval architecture.
Professor Rangan Banerjee underscored the importance of leveraging advanced scientific design tools and techniques through this partnership, with the ultimate goal of refining the living conditions for officers and crew members on naval vessels. He noted that this collaboration enhances IIT Delhi’s existing engagement with the Navy across various domains, including underwater systems, electronics, and naval construction research.
An important aspect of the initiative is its focus on conducting comparative analyses with international safety and comfort standards, which will not only bolster operational efficiency within the Navy but could also extend to commercial vessels and other maritime platforms. This broader applicability aims to enhance ship habitability throughout the Indian maritime sector.
The collaboration epitomizes the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering innovation, promoting self-reliance, and prioritizing crew welfare. It aligns seamlessly with the Navy’s vision of creating warships that combine combat readiness with crew-friendly designs, while also nurturing indigenous expertise in naval architecture and design.
