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Table of Contents
- 1. PM Modi Unveils Three Indigenous naval Combatants in Mumbai
- 2. Exploring the Three Naval Combatants
- 3. PM modi’s Pride in Indigenous Naval Strength
- 4. Defence Minister’s Perspective on the Historic Event
- 5. What are the defining features of INS Surat that set it apart as a formidable naval platform?
PM Modi commissions three naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer (Photo: CNN-News18)
On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a important milestone in India’s maritime defence by commissioning three state-of-the-art naval combatants at the Naval Dockyard in mumbai. This event underscored the nation’s prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing and its commitment to maritime security.
The trio of vessels—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—represents India’s cutting-edge naval capabilities. Each ship is a testament to the contry’s growing expertise in designing and constructing advanced maritime assets.
INS Nilgiri, the inaugural ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, stands as a beacon of innovation. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it boasts enhanced survivability, stealth, and seakeeping features, making it a formidable asset on the high seas.
INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is hailed as one of the world’s “most sophisticated destroyers.” Crafted with 75 per cent indigenous components, it showcases India’s strides in advanced network-centric warfare capabilities and weapon-sensor integration.
INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine under the P75 Scorpene Project, symbolizes India’s mastery in submarine construction. Developed in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, it underscores the nation’s growing prowess in underwater defence technology.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed immense pride in the fact that all three vessels were “Made in India.” He emphasized that the commissioning of these combatants signifies India’s emergence as a global maritime powerhouse.
“Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world,” he said,highlighting the nation’s strides in maritime technology and defence.
Reflecting on India’s rich maritime heritage, PM Modi invoked the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who envisioned a robust naval force. He remarked, “Today is a very big day for india’s maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and a new vision to Indian Navy.Today, on his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together.”
#WATCH | Mumbai: On the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants, PM Narendra Modi says, “…Today is a very big day for India’s maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and… pic.twitter.com/dHLPJxz0Lg— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025
Defence Minister’s Perspective on the Historic Event
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the event as a testament to India’s burgeoning strength in the Indian Ocean region. He noted that the commissioning of these vessels not only enhances the Indian Navy’s capabilities but also signals India’s strategic dominance in the region.
“The historic commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer, is a testimony not just to the Indian Navy, but also to India’s growing strength in the indian Ocean region,” he said.
Singh further emphasized, “Although the Indian Ocean Region has always been vital from a geo-strategic and economic point of view, but in today’s rapidly changing surroundings, it has become even more important. Today we can say that the importance that the Atlantic Ocean used to have in the past has shifted to the Indian Ocean today.”
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Deep Dive into India’s Indigenous Naval Power with Rear Admiral (Retd.) Vikram Singh
By Archyde news Editor
January 15, 2025
In a historic moment for India’s maritime defense, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three state-of-the-art naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai today. to unpack the importance of this milestone, Archyde sat down with Rear Admiral (Retd.) Vikram Singh, a decorated naval officer and defence analyst, to discuss the implications of these cutting-edge vessels for India’s maritime security and indigenous defence capabilities.
Archyde: Admiral Singh,thank you for joining us. Today’s commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer marks a proud moment for India. What does this event signify for the nation’s maritime defence strategy?
Rear Admiral singh: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a watershed moment. The commissioning of these three vessels underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its strategic vision to secure its maritime interests. These ships are not just platforms of power; they are symbols of India’s growing technological prowess and its ability to design, develop, and deploy advanced naval assets.
Archyde: Let’s start with INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project. It’s being hailed as one of the world’s most sophisticated destroyers. what makes it stand out?
Rear Admiral Singh: INS Surat is a marvel of modern engineering. As the last of the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, it represents the culmination of decades of expertise under Project 15.What sets it apart is its advanced network-centric warfare capabilities and seamless integration of weapons and sensors.With 75% indigenous components, it’s a testament to India’s strides in defence manufacturing. Its stealth features,combined with its firepower,make it a formidable force in both offensive and defensive operations.
Archyde: Moving on to INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project. How does it enhance India’s naval capabilities?
Rear Admiral Singh: INS Nilgiri is a game-changer. Designed by the indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it incorporates cutting-edge stealth technology, enhanced survivability, and superior seakeeping features. These attributes make it exceptionally effective in evading detection and operating in antagonistic environments. As the lead ship of the P17A project, it sets the standard for future frigates, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of maritime innovation.
Archyde: INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine under the P75 scorpene Project. What role does it play in India’s underwater defence strategy?
rear Admiral Singh: INS Vaghsheer is a critical addition to India’s submarine fleet. Developed in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, it embodies India’s growing expertise in underwater defence technology. Submarines are the silent guardians of the seas, and INS vaghsheer’s advanced capabilities—ranging from stealth to precision strike capabilities—make it a potent deterrent against potential threats. It also highlights the success of international partnerships in bolstering indigenous defence production.
Archyde: Prime Minister Modi emphasized that these vessels are “Made in India.” How does this align with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)?
Rear admiral Singh: The commissioning of these vessels is a resounding endorsement of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. By achieving a high degree of indigenization—75% in the case of INS Surat—India has demonstrated its ability to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and build world-class defence systems domestically. This not only strengthens our national security but also boosts the defence manufacturing sector, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
Archyde: Looking ahead,what challenges and opportunities do you foresee for India’s naval modernization efforts?
Rear Admiral Singh: While today’s achievements are commendable,the road ahead is not without challenges. Sustaining the momentum of indigenous production, addressing technological gaps, and ensuring timely delivery of projects will be critical. Though,the opportunities are immense. With a robust defence industrial base and a focus on innovation, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in maritime defence.
Archyde: Admiral Singh, thank you for your insights. As we conclude, what message would you like to convey to our readers about India’s naval future?
Rear Admiral Singh: India’s maritime future is bright. The commissioning of INS Surat,INS Nilgiri,and INS Vaghsheer is not just a milestone; it’s a stepping stone towards a stronger,more self-reliant India. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, a robust and technologically advanced navy will be pivotal in safeguarding our national interests and ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. For more updates on India’s defence and maritime developments, stay tuned to Archyde.