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India to emerge as a major maritime power, says Prime Minister Modi as Indian Navy commissioned 3 Warships - Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer. This marks a major step towards enhancing India's maritime defence capabilities and reinforcing a leading maritime power in the region.
On January 15, 2025, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of three cutting-edge warships - INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer. The landmark ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at a grand event held at the naval base in Mumbai.
A destroyer, a frigate and a submarine were commissioned together for the first time, he noted, adding that all the three are 'Made in India'.
"We should become a global partner in securing the sea from drugs, weapons and terrorism and make it safe and prosperous. India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner," Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that all three warships are 'Made in India', emphasising the nation's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing."
This marks a major step towards enhancing India's maritime defence capabilities and reinforcing its position as a leading maritime power in the region. This development marks a crucial moment for the country's defence posture and highlights the Navy's expanding role in safeguarding national interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Three combat ships that were launched include Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.
The Prime Minister said 33 ships and seven submarines have been inducted into the Navy in the last 10 years. India's defence production has crossed ₹1.25 lakh crore and defence equipment have been exported to more than 100 countries, he added.
The event, taking place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, is expected to underscore India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The event also highlights India's rapid advancement in the wake of China's aggressive move in the maritime domain. As reported, Chinese submarines have been entering the Indian Ocean Region which is a concern for India.
The INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer symbolise India's commitment to securing its maritime borders and enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean Region
The induction of these warships showcases India's growing naval prowess and underscores its commitment to securing its maritime borders and enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Both warships were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and come equipped with sophisticated weapon systems and sensors developed indigenously or through collaborations with global manufacturers.
The INS Surat is the latest addition to the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and represents a critical leap in stealth technology and advanced weaponry. Built under the Indian Navy's 'Make in India' initiative, this warship is equipped with cutting-edge radar systems, multi-role weaponry, and state-of-the-art electronics. The INS Surat will significantly enhance India's naval deterrence capabilities and provide flexibility in multi-dimensional warfare, from anti-air and anti-submarine warfare to surface combat.
The ship is also equipped with modern aviation facilities capable of operating helicopters such as the Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and MH-60R during both day and night operations.
With its superior capabilities, the INS Surat is designed to operate in diverse maritime environments, showcasing India's evolving power projection capabilities. This warship is seen as an important asset in safeguarding the nation's interests in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Modi also stated that India's defence production has crossed ₹1.25 lakh crore and defence equipment have been exported to more than 100 countries
The INS Nilgiri, a Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, also added its name to the list of India's modernised naval assets. The ship boasts cutting-edge technology with advanced sensors, radar, and surface-to-air missile systems, making it highly adaptable in both offensive and defensive operations. The INS Nilgiri brings the Indian Navy closer to achieving self-reliance in shipbuilding, with critical contributions from Indian shipyards.
Named after the Nilgiri hills, the ship is designed for rapid deployment and high operational flexibility, including anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and surface combat. Its induction into the Navy is a significant boost to India's naval defence, ensuring the country's maritime security interests are better protected.
The INS Vaghsheer is a Scorpene-class submarine, which strengthens India's undersea warfare capabilities. This advanced attack submarine is designed to operate with stealth, ensuring that it can execute precision strikes while remaining undetected. The INS Vaghsheer is equipped with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sensors, making it one of the most potent undersea assets of the Indian Navy.
The Vaghsheer submarine, the last in the Scorpene class under Project 75, is among the most advanced diesel-electric submarines in the world. The Project was a collaboration with the French company, Naval group and an Indian defence company, MDL.
Designed for versatility, it can perform a wide range of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations. The submarine is armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems.
With a range of advanced technologies, the INS Vaghsheer will play a key role in enhancing the Navy's overall strategic deterrence capabilities. The submarine represents India's growing expertise in naval warfare and defence systems, reaffirming the nation's commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning of these three warships is a momentous occasion for the Indian Navy and India as a whole. The event underscores the nation's growing self-reliance in defence and maritime security, marking a shift towards indigenously built vessels that are equipped with world-class technology. These new additions to the fleet will enable the Indian Navy to better secure its maritime borders, safeguard vital trade routes, and project power in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer symbolises India's growing naval strength and its commitment to safeguarding its national interests in an increasingly complex and dynamic global security environment.
Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.