New Delhi, January 15. In what he described as a significant step towards empowering the Indian Navy in the 21st century, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three frontline naval combatants – INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer – at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Wednesday.
“Today, on his holy land, we are taking a big step towards strengthening the 21st century Navy,” Modi said while commissioning the combatants. “This is the first time that a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine are being commissioned together. And the most proud thing is that these three frontline platforms are made in India. I congratulate the Indian Navy, all the colleagues involved in their construction work, the engineers, the workers and the entire country.”
INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class destroyers. It incorporates improvements in design and capability, making it a critical addition to the Navy’s surface fleet.INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class destroyers. It has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at the MazagonDock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, represents a significant advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates. Also designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at MDL, it incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, sea-keeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates. It features advanced stealth technology and reduced radar signatures. It is equipped with modern aviation facilities and can operate multiple helicopter types, including the newly inducted MH-60R.
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75. It is a diesel-electric submarine designed for multiple roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering. It features modular construction, enabling future upgrades such as air independent propulsion technology.
The Prime Minister noted the launch of new platforms, including the INS Nilgiri, dedicated to the maritime prowess of the Chola dynasty, and the Surat warship, reminiscent of the era when Gujarat’s ports connected India to West Asia. He also mentioned the commissioning of the Vagsheer submarine, the sixth in the P75 class, following the commissioning of the first submarine, Kalvari, a few years ago. These new frontier platforms, Modi stated, will enhance both India’s security and progress.
Emphasising the significant role of maritime nations like India in shaping global security, economics, and geopolitical dynamics, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of protecting territorial waters, ensuring freedom of navigation, and securing trade supply lines and sea routes for economic progress and energy security. He stressed on the need to safeguard the region from terrorism, arms, and drug trafficking.
He also emphasized on the importance of becoming global partners in making the seas safe and prosperous, enhancing logistics efficiency, and supporting the shipping industry.
