PM Modi commissions 3 made-in-india naval combatants, boosting maritime power

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three advanced naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The event marked a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing and maritime security.

INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer showcase India’s growing naval capabilities:

1. INS Nilgiri: The first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. It features advanced stealth, survivability, and seakeeping capabilities.
2. INS Surat: The final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project. Among the world’s most sophisticated destroyers, it boasts 75% indigenous content and advanced weapon-sensor systems.
3. INS Vaghsheer: The last submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, built with French collaboration. It highlights India’s expanding expertise in submarine construction.

PM Modi hailed the “Made-in-India” naval assets as symbols of India’s growing self-reliance and maritime strength. “Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power,” he said, describing the commissioning as a historic moment for India’s naval legacy.

Recalling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s vision for a powerful navy, Modi emphasized, “On this holy land, we are taking a big step toward strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. For the first time, a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine are being commissioned together.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He emphasized that the historic commissioning reflects India’s increasing naval dominance in the IOR. “The Indian Ocean now holds the strategic importance that the Atlantic Ocean once had,” Singh added.

The commissioning of these naval assets demonstrates India’s progress in defence manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. It also underlines India’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in the IOR, a region vital for global trade and geopolitics.

By integrating advanced technologies with indigenous design, India is not just boosting its naval strength but also stepping closer to becoming a global maritime leader.