In a significant step toward enhancing India’s maritime security and defense capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commissioned three advanced naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This move is part of India’s broader vision to become a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security.
A Milestone in India’s Naval Evolution
Describing the event as a “very big day for India’s maritime heritage,” PM Modi underscored the importance of these new additions to the Indian Navy. The commissioning of these ships marks a major leap forward in India’s naval modernization efforts, with an emphasis on self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing.
Details on the Warships and Submarine
- INS Surat: The fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, INS Surat is one of the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It boasts 75% indigenous content and is equipped with cutting-edge weaponry and advanced network-centric capabilities.
- INS Nilgiri: As the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, INS Nilgiri represents a significant upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it features advanced stealth technology, reducing its radar signature. Both INS Nilgiri and INS Surat are capable of operating a range of helicopters, including the Chetak and the newly inducted MH-60R.
- INS Vaghsheer: A key development in India’s submarine expertise, INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project. Built in collaboration with the French Naval Group, Vaghsheer is one of the most silent and versatile diesel-electric submarines globally. It is designed for a wide range of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and surveillance. The submarine is armed with advanced torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and sonar systems.
Advancing India’s Self-Reliance in Defense
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the commissioning of these warships and submarines is a key part of India’s quest for self-reliance in defense production. The ships and submarine, primarily developed with Indian technology and strategic collaborations, reflect India’s growing capabilities in the maritime defense sector.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Indian Ocean region, now a hub of international power rivalry, is becoming increasingly important in global geopolitics. The commissioning of these advanced naval platforms will help India strengthen its position in this strategic region.
With these new combatants in service, India continues to bolster its defense infrastructure and assert its role as a formidable maritime power on the global stage.
