Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated three frontline naval combatants to the nation at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing and maritime security capabilities. The three naval vessels commissioned are INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, underscoring the country’s strides in indigenous shipbuilding.
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the event for India’s maritime heritage and defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. “Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world. The commissioning of these three naval combatants together is a historic moment,” he said. The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, recalling his visionary role in strengthening India’s naval forces.
INS Nilgiri: Advanced Stealth Frigate
INS Nilgiri is the first ship of the Project 17A Stealth Frigate series, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. The vessel features state-of-the-art stealth technology, enhanced seakeeping capabilities, and advanced systems to ensure survivability in diverse maritime conditions. The addition of INS Nilgiri is expected to bolster the Navy’s operational prowess in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
INS Surat: One of the World’s Most Sophisticated Destroyers
INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B Guided Missile Destroyer series. It ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers globally, boasting advanced weapon-sensor packages and network-centric capabilities. With 75 percent indigenous content, INS Surat stands as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing.
INS Vaghsheer: Strengthening Submarine Fleet
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Project 75 Scorpene class, symbolizes India’s expanding expertise in submarine construction. Built in collaboration with the French Naval Group, the submarine is equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance stealth, endurance, and combat capabilities. The commissioning of INS Vaghsheer completes the ambitious Scorpene project aimed at modernizing India’s underwater fleet.
A Major Leap in Maritime Defence
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, present at the event, praised the commissioning as a significant boost to India’s maritime defence and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region. “The historic commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer is a testament not only to the Indian Navy’s strength but also to India’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean,” Singh said.
Highlighting the geopolitical importance of the region, the Defence Minister noted, “While the Indian Ocean Region has always been crucial from a geo-strategic and economic perspective, its significance has grown manifold in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. The shift of strategic importance from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean underscores India’s pivotal role in regional security.”
The commissioning of these vessels reinforces India’s commitment to securing its maritime borders and projecting its naval power in the region. The Indian Navy’s growing fleet, strengthened by indigenous warships, aligns with the government’s broader vision of self-reliance in defence production and enhanced maritime security in the 21st century.