Modi commissions three indigenous naval platforms in Kolkata

Kolkata, June 21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21 commissioned three frontline naval platforms – stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, survey vessel INS Sanshodhak and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft INS Agray – at Kolkata in a major boost to India’s maritime capabilities and indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The induction ceremony, held in West Bengal, marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance naval preparedness, maritime security and domain awareness amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said the commissioning represented an important step towards building an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India), a secure India and a developed India. Noting that June 21 is also observed as World Hydrography Day, he described it as a remarkable coincidence that India’s most advanced hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sanshodhak, entered service on the same day.

Emphasising the growing importance of maritime power, the Prime Minister said no country can emerge as a major global power without strong naval capabilities, as development, security and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans. He highlighted the importance of sea routes for global trade and the increasing significance of undersea data networks, critical minerals, deep-sea resources and future energy sources.

“The commissioning of these three platforms is testimony to India’s growing capabilities and skills,” Modi said, adding that the journey from the commissioning of aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to the induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray reflected the country’s increasing self-reliance in defence production.

He stressed that India aims to become a producer rather than merely a buyer in the defence sector, noting that over 40 indigenously-built warships and submarines have joined the Navy in recent years, while another 45 major naval platforms are currently under construction.

Highlighting the economic potential of the maritime sector, Modi said the construction of the three vessels involved more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), generating employment and supporting extensive industrial supply chains. He also referred to the government’s ₹70,000-crore ($7.4 billion) incentive package for the shipping sector and initiatives such as Sagarmala as part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s maritime economy.

The Prime Minister said India’s defence production has increased from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore, reflecting the impact of policy reforms aimed at promoting self-reliance and expanding defence exports.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the tri-commissioning as a defining moment in the development of India’s maritime capabilities. In a post on X, he said the platforms reflected the strength of the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and its commitment to self-reliance, adding that they would help safeguard India’s interests in the Indian Ocean.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said the tri-commissioning, coming just 17 months after independent India’s first such event in Mumbai, demonstrated the increasing pace of India’s warship-building capabilities and growing confidence in indigenous technologies. He said the three ships would significantly strengthen the Navy’s ability to protect the country’s maritime interests.

The three vessels have been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and constructed by GRSE with the participation of more than 200 MSMEs. Each platform has an indigenous content exceeding 75 percent.

INS Dunagiri, the fifth Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigate and the second built by GRSE, is equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, advanced air defence systems, close-in weapon systems and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The vessel also has the capability to operate helicopters for extended missions.

INS Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) class ship, is fitted with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic equipment and four survey motor boats. The ship can also be configured as a hospital ship and is capable of undertaking helicopter operations, contributing to India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Blue Economy ambitions.

INS Agray, the fifth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft in its class, is equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets and a combat management system. Powered by waterjets, the vessel has been designed for operations in littoral waters and will enhance the Navy’s underwater warfare and mine countermeasure capabilities.

The Navy said the combined induction of the three platforms reflects its efforts to build a balanced and mission-ready force capable of undertaking humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, non-combatant evacuation operations and maritime security tasks across the Indian Ocean Region. The platforms are also expected to strengthen India’s role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific.