Key Points:
- Historic Event: PM Modi commissioned INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard, marking a milestone in India’s defence manufacturing and maritime security.
- Made-in-India Triumph: All three naval combatants are indigenously designed and constructed, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence.
- Technological Marvels: The ships feature advanced stealth, weapon-sensor packages, and network-centric capabilities.
- Strategic Importance: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing geopolitical and economic relevance of the Indian Ocean.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy: PM Modi highlighted the historic maritime vision of the Maratha king as inspiration for modern naval advancements.
New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s naval capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commissioned three cutting-edge naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This unprecedented event marks a major stride in Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and reaffirms India’s position as a formidable maritime power.
The Three Naval Combatants
1. INS Nilgiri
- Type: Stealth Frigate
- Project: First ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project.
- Features: Advanced stealth technology, enhanced survivability, and superior seakeeping capabilities.
- Designed By: Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
2. INS Surat
- Type: Guided Missile Destroyer
- Project: Fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project.
- Highlights:
- Among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers globally.
- Indigenous Content: 75%, equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor systems.
3. INS Vaghsheer
- Type: Attack Submarine
- Project: Sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project.
- Collaboration: Built in partnership with the Naval Group of France.
- Significance: Represents India’s growing expertise in submarine construction.
PM Modi’s Address: A Proud Moment for India
Prime Minister Modi hailed the commissioning as a “big day” for India’s naval heritage and a significant achievement for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Maritime Heritage: Modi paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, acknowledging his role in laying the foundation for India’s naval power.
- Global Maritime Power: Modi stated, “Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power,” emphasizing the strategic role of the Indian Ocean.
- Pioneering Event: He highlighted the uniqueness of the occasion, as it marked the first time a destroyer, frigate, and submarine were commissioned together.
Defence Minister’s Remarks on Strategic Significance
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the commissioning as a testament to India’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Geopolitical Importance: Singh highlighted the region’s shifting significance, stating, “The importance that the Atlantic Ocean had in the past has now shifted to the Indian Ocean.”
- Strength in Numbers: The event underscores India’s capability to secure its maritime borders and assert dominance in the region.
Strengthening India’s Naval Arsenal
The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its maritime strength and self-reliance in defence production. As India continues to enhance its naval fleet, these indigenous combatants symbolize a significant leap forward in safeguarding the nation’s interests in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region.
