In a landmark moment, the Indian Navy inducted three frontline vessels into its fleet on Wednesday, marking the first time a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine were commissioned together. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, hailed the event as a “giant leap forward” for India’s naval self-reliance and a reflection of the country’s maritime aspirations.
The vessels include:
- INS Surat, the last of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers.
- INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, designed for enhanced survivability and seakeeping.
- INS Vagsheer, the final submarine of the Scorpene-class (Project 75), designed for roles like anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
Modi highlighted the significance of these inductions in strengthening India’s maritime power, drawing connections to the country’s rich naval history. “Today’s program connects our glorious heritage with the aspirations of the future,” he said, citing how platforms like INS Nilgiri pay homage to the Chola dynasty’s maritime legacy, while INS Surat recalls Gujarat’s historical links to West Asia.
India’s Expanding Role in Global Maritime Security
Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s evolving stature as a key global maritime player, stating, “India is going to play a major role in shaping global security, economics, and geopolitical dynamics.” He reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring an open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region through its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
He also acknowledged the Navy’s role as the “first responder” in the Indian Ocean Region, citing recent operations that saved lives and protected cargo worth thousands of crores.
A Boost for Self-Reliance and Defence Manufacturing
The Prime Minister lauded India’s strides in defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” campaign. He revealed that in the last decade, 39 out of 40 naval vessels inducted into the Navy were built in Indian shipyards, including the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighat.
India’s defence production has surpassed ₹1.25 lakh crore, with exports now reaching over 100 countries. Modi also highlighted the economic ripple effect of investments in shipbuilding, noting that ₹1 spent in the sector generates ₹1.82 in the economy and significantly boosts employment.
Inside the New Inductions
- INS Nilgiri: A next-generation stealth frigate under Project 17A, featuring advanced stealth technology, reduced radar signatures, and modern aviation capabilities to operate multiple helicopter types, including the MH-60R.
- INS Surat: The fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, an evolution of the Kolkata-class destroyers with enhanced design and capabilities.
- INS Vagsheer: The last submarine of the Scorpene-class (Project 75), equipped for diverse roles such as intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface operations, with provisions for future upgrades like air-independent propulsion systems.
