January 15, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated three advanced naval combatants to the nation in a momentous ceremony held in Mumbai. The assets included INS Surat, a guided missile destroyer, INS Nilgiri, a stealth frigate, and INS Vaghsheer, a 'hunter-killer' submarine, marking a significant step forward in India's maritime capabilities.
In his address at the ceremony, PM Modi emphasized India's growing role as a major maritime power, highlighting how the commissioning of these sophisticated vessels would enhance the nation's strategic defense posture and serve as a deterrent to adversaries such as China and Pakistan. He underscored that this move was a key part of India's broader vision of strengthening its maritime presence and asserted that the country was poised to emerge as a dominant force in the Indo-Pacific region.
"This is the first time in India’s history that a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine are being commissioned together," PM Modi stated, adding that the ceremony was taking place on the land associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose legacy had strengthened the Indian Navy. He further emphasized that India was now recognized globally as a reliable and responsible partner, particularly in the Global South, with a focus on development rather than expansionism.
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine in the P75 Scorpene Project, was constructed in collaboration with France's Naval Group. Known as a 'hunter-killer' submarine, Vaghsheer is equipped with advanced torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and capabilities for both anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Its intelligence-gathering and mine-laying abilities further bolster India's maritime defense.
INS Surat, a state-of-the-art guided missile destroyer, is among the largest and most advanced of its kind globally, with an impressive 75% indigenous content. It is equipped with the latest weaponry and sensor technology, along with advanced network-centric capabilities, positioning it as a formidable force in the Indian Navy's arsenal.
Similarly, INS Nilgiri, the first ship in the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, is designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau. It features cutting-edge technology for enhanced survivability, stealth, and seakeeping, representing the future of India’s indigenous warship design.
The commissioning of these combatants is a landmark achievement in India's naval history, furthering the country's ambitions to secure and enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi also reaffirmed India's commitment to maintaining an open, secure, and prosperous maritime domain.
In addition to the naval ceremony, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate an Iskcon Temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, later in the day, further highlighting his ongoing engagement with Maharashtra during his visit.