PM Modi commissions INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer to increase Navy's capabilities
Landmark event: First time a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine commissioned simultaneously
PTC Web Desk: In a historic ceremony in Mumbai on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inducted three cutting-edge naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—into the Indian Navy. This landmark event marked the first time a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine were commissioned simultaneously, underscoring India’s growing maritime capabilities and commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The induction of these three frontline combatants significantly bolsters India’s maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region, sending a strong deterrent signal to neighboring adversaries like China and Pakistan.
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class Project P75, is a versatile ‘hunter-killer’ submarine built in collaboration with France's Naval Group. It is equipped with advanced torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, intelligence-gathering tools, and mine-laying capabilities. The submarine is designed for both anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, further enhancing India’s naval power.
INS Surat, a guided missile destroyer, stands as one of the world’s most advanced destroyers, with 75% indigenous content. Equipped with cutting-edge weapon-sensor systems and advanced network-centric capabilities, this destroyer symbolises India’s growing expertise in warship manufacturing.
INS Nilgiri, the inaugural vessel of the Project 17A Stealth Frigate initiative, has been developed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau. This stealth frigate features next-generation designs aimed at enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and reduced radar detectability, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to indigenisation and innovation.
During the commissioning event, Prime Minister Modi emphasised India’s emergence as a formidable maritime power. He hailed the country’s expanding shipbuilding industry as a cornerstone of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India campaign).
“Today, on the sacred land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we are taking a giant step towards building the Navy of the 21st century. Chhatrapati Shivaji gave new strength and vision to India’s maritime traditions, and we continue to draw inspiration from his legacy,” PM Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s global reputation as a trustworthy and responsible partner, particularly in the Global South. “India operates with the spirit of development rather than expansionism and supports an open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he added.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a new Iskcon Temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, as part of his official visit to Maharashtra.