Three Naval Warships: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today commissioned three frontline naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the significance of the day, coinciding with Army Day, and saluted the brave warriors who defend the nation.
He emphasized the historic nature of the event, marking the first tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine. Shri Modi highlighted that all three platforms—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—were indigenously built, showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Reflecting on India’s rich maritime legacy, the Prime Minister drew attention to the visionary naval strategies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, remarking that today’s achievements reinforce that legacy. He also linked the platforms to India’s historical prowess, with INS Nilgiri honoring the Chola dynasty, INS Surat reflecting Gujarat’s historical trade links, and INS Vaghsheer advancing the capabilities of India’s submarine fleet.
Shri Modi praised India’s growing stature as a reliable global partner, particularly in the Indo-Pacific Region, under the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). He stressed the need to secure territorial waters, trade routes, and resources while enhancing collaboration to combat threats such as terrorism and trafficking.
The Prime Minister lauded the Navy’s leadership in indigenization, highlighting the inclusion of 39 domestically built naval vessels out of 40 commissioned in the last decade. He celebrated India’s defense exports to over 100 countries and its defense manufacturing surpassing ₹1.25 lakh crore, underlining the economic and strategic importance of self-reliance in the defense sector.
Shri Modi also emphasized the broader economic benefits of shipbuilding, noting its positive multiplier effects on employment and industries, particularly MSMEs. He pointed to India’s rising global maritime presence, its growing seafaring workforce, and its ambitious port-led development model.
Concluding, the Prime Minister underscored India’s progress towards becoming a global maritime and defense powerhouse, with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat central to this vision. He expressed confidence in the Navy’s continued contributions to national security and economic growth.
Background
The commissioning of INS Surat, a P15B destroyer; INS Nilgiri, a P17A stealth frigate; and INS Vaghsheer, the final P75 submarine, underscores India’s advances in defense manufacturing. These state-of-the-art platforms, designed and constructed in India, demonstrate the country’s growing capabilities in naval technology and its commitment to maritime security.
