On March 19, 2025, In a significant step toward enhancing maritime security and technological collaboration, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd. and Liquid Robotics, a subsidiary of Boeing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) , in New Delhi. The agreement focuses on the co-development and co-production of Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) to bolster Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) and address complex maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The signing ceremony, held in the presence of high-profile representatives from both nations, underscores the deepening U.S.-India strategic partnership in defense and technology. Key attendees included Salil Anil Gupte, President of Boeing India and South Asia, and Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Founder of Sagar Defence Engineering. The event also featured Ricky Gill, Senior Director for South and Central Asian Affairs at the White House National Security Council, and Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, Senior Vice President of Boeing and President of Boeing Global, among other dignitaries from the Indian Ministry of Defence and industry leaders.
“This partnership reflects the immense potential of U.S.-India collaboration in strengthening maritime security and integrating defense supply chains,” said Salil Anil Gupte during the ceremony. The MoU aims to create a trusted and resilient innovation base, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance global maritime security while boosting production capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.
Sagar Defence Engineering, known for its work on unmanned marine systems, has previously demonstrated its capabilities with the Matangi Autonomous Surface Vessel, completing an 850-nautical-mile autonomous transit for the Indian Navy in 2024 as part of the Navy’s Swavalamban initiative. Liquid Robotics, a leader in autonomous ocean robotics, brings its expertise in persistent, durable unmanned surface vehicles that can host advanced sensors for real-time maritime data collection.
Also Read, Rafale-M: The Future of India’s Naval Air Dominance
The partnership is expected to address pressing maritime challenges, such as illegal fishing, piracy, and dark shipping, while contributing to regional stability. It also supports India’s “Make in India” initiative and the broader goal of fostering self-reliance in defence technology, as evidenced by the presence of representatives from India’s Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and other government bodies.
