India (Commonwealth Union)_ India has marked a historic achievement in its naval history with the commissioning of three indigenously developed naval assets: the stealth frigate INS Nilgiri, the guided missile destroyer INS Surat, and the attack submarine INS Vaghsheer. This is the first time the nation has commissioned three major combat vessels simultaneously, a milestone that highlights India’s growing naval prowess and its strategic focus on self-reliance in defense. The commissioning of these vessels represents a key advancement in India’s military modernization efforts, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.
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This initiative also reflects India’s response to increasing maritime security challenges in the region, particularly with China’s expanding naval presence and Pakistan’s plans to enhance its fleet with Chinese assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who officiated at the commissioning ceremony, emphasized the significance of the event, declaring, “India is becoming a major maritime power. The commissioning of these frontline combatants not only strengthens our self-reliance but also solidifies our aspirations to play a more prominent role in global security.” Modi further reiterated India’s commitment to a secure, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and stressed the importance of the nation’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. He noted that India had already emerged as the first responder in the Indian Ocean region, underscoring its proactive role in securing international waters against threats such as terrorism, piracy, and illegal trade.
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Major highlights of the new warships
1. INS Nilgiri
The INS Nilgiri is the first of a new class of stealth frigates under Project 17A, designed to enhance India’s surface combat capabilities. With advanced stealth technology, the vessel incorporates features such as a re-engineered top deck and concealed fittings, significantly reducing its radar signature. State-of-the-art systems equip the frigate to conduct anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. The cost of each ship is estimated at approximately ₹4,000 crore.
2. INS Surat
The INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, regarded as the most formidable surface combatants in the Indian Navy. The destroyer boasts advanced weaponry, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and high-tech mounted guns. This warship has been built with cutting-edge technology, incorporating AI capabilities for enhanced operational effectiveness. The cost of INS Surat is around ₹8,950 crore.
3. INS Vaghsheer
INS Vaghsheer, the last of the Scorpene-class submarines, is a highly advanced attack submarine that features stealth capabilities and air-independent propulsion. This multi-role submarine is capable of launching torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, making it a vital asset for anti-surface and anti-submarine operations, intelligence gathering, and surveillance. It was commissioned at an estimated cost of ₹3,942 crore.
India: A maritime superpower
The commissioning of these three advanced vessels marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Navy, which has historically faced challenges related to delays in ship production. However, the rapid completion of the INS Surat in just 31 months signals significant progress in the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities. While India’s naval fleet has seen the induction of 33 warships in the past decade, it still lags behind China, which has added 148 ships to its fleet in the same period. Nevertheless, the recent additions lay a strong foundation for future naval expansion, with 62 warships and additional submarines currently under construction. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized that the new vessels would significantly enhance India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and respond to regional security challenges. The Indian Navy is poised to play an increasingly dominant role in ensuring the freedom of navigation and the security of global trade routes in the years to come.
Prime Minister Modi also noted that India’s defense production has surpassed ₹1.25 lakh crore, with defense equipment now being exported to over 100 countries. He reaffirmed that India’s global focus is on development rather than expansionism, highlighting the country’s growing role as a reliable partner in maintaining regional and global maritime stability. The commissioning ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard, was attended by senior defense officials and dignitaries, marking a significant step in India’s journey toward becoming a dominant maritime force in the Indo-Pacific region.
