PM Modi Commissions Three ‘Made-in-India’ Naval Combatants, Strengthening India’s Maritime Power
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three frontline naval combatants—INS surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to teh nation at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday, marking a meaningful leap in India’s defense manufacturing and maritime security. The event, described as “historic” by the Navy, underscores India’s commitment to becoming a self-reliant maritime power.
What Are the Three Naval Combatants?
INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, boasts advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it represents a leap in indigenous naval technology.
INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is among the largest and “most refined destroyers” globally. With 75 per cent indigenous content, it is equipped with cutting-edge weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, symbolizes India’s growing expertise in submarine construction. Built in collaboration with the Naval Group of France, it highlights India’s strategic partnerships in defence innovation.
PM Modi Lauds Made-in-India Combatants
PM Modi expressed pride in the indigenous manufacturing of thes combatants, stating, “Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world.” He described the occasion as a “very big day” for India’s maritime heritage,recalling Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s vision for the navy.
“Today is a very big day for India’s maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and a new vision to Indian Navy. Today, on his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together,” he said.
Defence Minister Hails Commissioning of Ships
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the commissioning, emphasizing India’s growing strength in the Indian Ocean Region.
“The historic commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer, is a testimony not just to the Indian Navy, but also to India’s growing strength in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.
“Even though the Indian Ocean Region has always been critically important from a geo-strategic and economic point of view, but in today’s rapidly changing environment, it has become even more important. Today we can say that the importance that the Atlantic ocean used to have in the past has shifted to the Indian Ocean today,” Rajnath added.
Key Highlights of the Commissioning
| Naval Combatant | Project | Key Features |
|———————|————|——————|
| INS Nilgiri | P17A Stealth Frigate | Advanced survivability, seakeeping, stealth |
| INS Surat | P15B Guided Missile Destroyer | 75% indigenous content, sophisticated weapon-sensor packages |
| INS Vaghsheer | P75 Scorpene Submarine | Collaboration with Naval Group of France, submarine expertise |
This commissioning not only strengthens India’s maritime capabilities but also reinforces its position as a global leader in defence innovation.
For more details on this historic event, visit [[2]].
