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PM Modi commissions 3 Naval combatants, describes it as big day for India’s maritime sector

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the occasion
12:15 AM Jan 16, 2025 IST | SURINDER SINGH OBEROI
pm modi commissions 3 naval combatants  describes it as big day for india’s maritime sector
ANI
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New Delhi, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday commissioned three frontline naval platforms, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, at a grand ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, seen as a major milestone for India's journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the occasion.

“Today is a big day for India’s maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy, and our Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. For the first time, we are witnessing the tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine,” he said. Modi saluted the Navy’s contributions and congratulated all stakeholders involved in the development of the vessels.

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The Prime Minister paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whom he described as a visionary who gave new strength and direction to India’s Navy. “In the land of Shivaji Maharaj, we are taking a major step towards empowering India’s 21st-century Navy,” he remarked.

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Highlighting India’s maritime traditions, Modi noted, “India has a rich history of long sea voyages, commerce, naval defence, and shipbuilding. Today, as India emerges as a major maritime power, the platforms launched display a glimpse of that legacy.”

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INS Surat, a guided-missile destroyer, is the final ship in the P15B project and among the world’s largest and most advanced destroyers. With 75% indigenous content, it boasts state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors.

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INS Nilgiri - the first ship of the P17A stealth frigate project, has been designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau. Its advanced survivability and stealth features set the stage for the next generation of indigenous frigates.

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INS Vaghsheer - the sixth and final submarine under the P75 Scorpene project, showcases India’s growing expertise in submarine construction. Built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, it follows the successful commissioning of INS Kalvari, the first in its class.

“These platforms are a testament to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and will significantly enhance our maritime security,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister also spoke on India’s growing stature as a reliable global partner. He said that India operates with a spirit of development, not expansionism giving details that India always supported an open, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Highlighting India’s leadership in initiatives like SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), Modi stressed that the country is committed to ensuring security and economic progress in the Indian Ocean region.

Citing India’s G20 presidency and its mantra of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” Modi remarked, “India is recognised globally as a responsible partner, particularly in the Global South.”

He pointed to India’s proactive role as the first responder in the Indian Ocean region, noting that the Navy had saved hundreds of lives and secured cargo worth thousands of crores in recent months.

The Prime Minister lauded the Navy’s contributions to the “Make in India” initiative, noting that 39 of 40 commissioned naval vessels over the past decade were built in Indian shipyards.

“From INS Vikrant to nuclear submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighat, our Navy has strengthened its self-reliance,” he said, “I heartily congratulate the three armies of the country for giving such a boost to Make in India.”

“The way the three armies of India have adopted the mantra of self-reliance in the last 10 years is very commendable. Understanding the seriousness of the need to minimise India's dependence on other countries in times of crisis, all of you are taking this work forward and providing leadership,” PM Modi said.

“Our armies have prepared a list of more than 5 thousand such equipment and tools which they will no longer import from abroad. When an Indian soldier moves forward with equipment made in India, his confidence is also different,” said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister also revealed, “In the last 10 years, the country's largest helicopter manufacturing factory has started in Karnataka. A factory manufacturing transport aircraft for the armies has started. The Tejas fighter plane has taken India's reputation to new heights. The defence corridors being built in UP and Tamil Nadu are going to give further impetus to defence production.”

He revealed that India’s defence production has crossed ₹1.25 lakh crore, with exports reaching over 100 countries. “The Make in India initiative is enhancing the capabilities of our armed forces and opening new avenues for economic growth,” he added.

Modi also highlighted the strategic importance of maritime security describing the protection of trade routes, territorial waters, and natural resources. He said that by investing in new shipping routes, preventing the misuse of ocean resources, and advancing the shipping industry are key priorities for India.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the growing employment opportunities in the maritime sector. “The number of Indian seafarers has doubled from 1.25 lakh in 2014 to nearly 3 lakh today. India now ranks among the top five countries globally in this sector,” he said.

Highlighting infrastructure advancements, Modi mentioned projects like the Sonamarg Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir and the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which enhance connectivity to border areas. He also spoke about the Vibrant Village Programme, aimed at developing remote border regions, and recent initiatives to name underwater seamounts in the Indian Ocean, including Ashoka Seamount and Raja Raja Chola Seamount.

“These efforts symbolise our commitment to strengthening our presence in remote areas, whether on land, sea, or in space,” he said, referencing projects like Samudrayaan, which aims to send Indian scientists 6,000 meters underwater.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of moving beyond colonial legacies. “The Indian Navy’s new flag, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflects this shift,” he said, urging continued focus on self-reliance and national pride. “Our new platforms will not only secure our waters but also drive us closer to our goal of a developed India.”

The event was attended by Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and other dignitaries.

The commissioning of these naval combatants is major leap in India’s journey to becoming a global leader in maritime security. With state-of-the-art technology and indigenous design, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer underscore India’s commitment to self-reliance, innovation, and strategic defense capabilities. These platforms not only bolster the Navy’s operational readiness but also reflect the nation’s vision of ensuring peace and stability in the region.