On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai to commission three important naval combatants: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer. Since it is the first time that two warships and a submarine have been commissioned into the Indian Navy at the same time, this event is significant.
The P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project’s fourth and last ship is this one. With 75% indigenous content, cutting-edge armament systems, and network-centric capabilities, it is regarded as one of the most sophisticated destroyers in the world.
In comparison to earlier classes, INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has enhanced survivability and sophisticated stealth characteristics. It was created by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy and is outfitted to fly a variety of helicopters, including the recently introduced MH-60R.
INS Vaghsheer, the final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, is a testament to India’s expanding submarine building capabilities, which were built in partnership with the French Naval Group. Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare are among the several operational duties for which this submarine is built.
The commissioning of these warships is a significant step towards improving India’s defense capabilities and self-reliance in defense industry, PM Modi said. “This event highlights India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in maritime security and defense production,” he said. The Prime Minister’s comments are part of a larger plan to bolster India’s naval might and domestic shipbuilding capacity, both of which are essential for regional stability and national security.
Along with the commissioning ceremony, PM Modi also launched an ISKCON project in Navi Mumbai, underscoring his government’s emphasis on both defense developments and cultural and spiritual endeavors.
