Shree Refrigerations Limited (SRL) has received the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Champion Award for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the Import Substitution category. The award recognises the company’s contribution to developing indigenous air-conditioning systems for Scorpène-class submarines, supporting India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing.
Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence, presented the award to RG Shende, Chairman and Managing Director of Shree Refrigerations; Abhijit Saoji, Chief Executive Officer; and Commander Manoj Parashar, Vice President – Defence and Marine, during SIDM’s eighth Annual Session in New Delhi. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary of India, and A Anbarasu, Director General of Acquisition, were also present at the event.
The award highlights SRL’s role in replacing imported equipment with locally developed solutions for critical defence applications. Scorpène-class submarines are advanced conventional diesel-electric submarines designed for underwater operations, stealth and combat missions. Their onboard systems require reliable environmental control equipment capable of operating under demanding marine conditions.
The recognition comes as India continues to focus on self-reliance in defence production and reducing dependence on overseas suppliers for specialised technologies. Domestic manufacturing of critical equipment can help strengthen supply-chain security, improve access to maintenance and support services, and develop technical expertise within the country.
The SIDM Annual Session was held under the theme, ‘Sovereign Capabilities, Contested Frontiers: Accelerating India’s Strategic Autonomy in an Era of Disruption’. Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of India’s ability to design, develop, manufacture and control the technologies and equipment required by the armed forces. He called on Indian defence companies to develop innovative solutions, expand production capabilities and respond quickly to changing operational requirements.
Shree Refrigerations has around 35 years of experience in the refrigeration industry. The company entered the defence sector approximately a decade ago and has since expanded its work in specialised refrigeration and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems for the Indian Navy and other strategic sectors.
Its business is supported by specialised technology, manufacturing capabilities and service support for demanding applications. The company was listed on the stock exchange on 1 August 2025. Operating under the philosophy, ‘We don’t just Manufacture Products, we Manufacture Pride’, SRL focuses on developing indigenous engineering solutions for critical industries.
The SIDM award marks an important milestone for the company and reflects the growing role of Indian manufacturers in supplying specialised equipment to the country’s defence sector. SRL aims to continue contributing to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by strengthening domestic capabilities and supporting India’s long-term defence manufacturing goals.
