Mumbai, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasized India’s growing stature as a major maritime power, marking a significant moment in the country’s defense capabilities with the commissioning of three naval warships in Mumbai. The warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—were all indigenously built under India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, showcasing the nation’s commitment to becoming self-reliant in defense production.
Speaking after the commissioning ceremony at the Naval Dockyard, Modi highlighted India’s role as a reliable and responsible global maritime partner. He stressed the importance of securing the seas from threats such as drugs, weapons, and terrorism to ensure a safe and prosperous maritime environment. “India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognized as a reliable and responsible partner,” Modi said.
The commissioning of a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine together for the first time marks a milestone in India’s naval capabilities. INS Nilgiri, a Project 17A stealth frigate, represents the next generation of indigenously designed and built warships, incorporating advanced stealth technology. INS Surat, part of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, adds significant strength to the Navy’s surface fleet. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of the Scorpene-class Project 75, is designed for multiple strategic roles, including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering.
Modi also spoke of India’s role in the Indian Ocean region, where the country has emerged as the “first responder” to regional maritime security challenges. “We are working for development, not expansionism,” he said, reiterating India’s commitment to maintaining territorial integrity and securing critical trade routes. Over the last decade, India has inducted 33 ships and seven submarines into its naval fleet, and the nation’s defense production has surpassed Rs 1.25 lakh crore, with defense equipment exported to more than 100 countries.
The commissioning ceremony reflects India’s growing defense capabilities and its aspiration to play a major role in shaping global security, economy, and geopolitics.
