Marking a monumental day in India’s defense history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three state-of-the-art naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation at a ceremony in Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard. The event, coinciding with Army Day, celebrated India’s naval heritage and its vision for a self-reliant defense sector.
Speaking to an assembly of defense personnel and dignitaries, Modi highlighted the historic significance of the first-ever tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine. INS Surat, the fourth ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, boasts 75% indigenous content and cutting-edge weaponry. INS Nilgiri, the inaugural vessel of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, reflects advanced stealth and survivability features. INS Vaghsheer, the final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, showcases India’s growing submarine construction expertise in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
“This is a proud day for India, showcasing our naval strength and our commitment to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative,” Modi declared, emphasizing the significance of all three platforms being made in India. He credited the nation’s rich maritime heritage, citing the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an inspiration for modern naval innovation.
The prime minister praised the Navy’s contributions to India’s security and global partnerships, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Highlighting India’s mantra of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), he reaffirmed the country’s role as a responsible maritime power and a reliable partner for the Global South.
Modi also spotlighted recent achievements, including India’s rise as the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. He praised the Navy’s efforts in saving lives, securing valuable cargo, and ensuring freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes.
The ceremony also underscored India’s broader defense advancements. Modi noted the addition of 33 ships and seven submarines to the Navy in the last decade, with nearly all built domestically. He celebrated the Navy’s contributions to the Make in India initiative, which has propelled defense exports to over 100 nations and pushed production to ₹1.25 lakh crore annually.
The prime minister shared ambitious plans for the future, including port-led development, expanded shipbuilding, and job creation. Citing the newly approved Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, a ₹75,000-crore project, Modi underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing coastal infrastructure and employment.
Dignitaries including Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event. Modi concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to a self-reliant, modernized military and a vibrant maritime economy.
The tri-commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer is not only a milestone for India’s naval prowess but a testament to its ascent as a global defense leader.
