MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).
During the visit, Three Indian Navy warships namely, INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in the presence of PM Modi. This will be the first time the Indian Navy inducts two warships and a submarine on the same day, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime capabilities.
INS Surat:
INS Surat is the final ship in the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers developed under Project 15B. Known for its massive size and advanced features, the warship boasts 75% indigenous components. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and network-centric technology, it embodies India’s naval expertise. The ship is named after the vibrant city of Surat and joins its predecessors INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal in bolstering India’s naval strength.
INS Nilgiri:
Carrying forward the legacy of India’s first indigenously designed frigate, the new INS Nilgiri is named after the famous Nilgiri Hills. It is part of Project 17A and incorporates stealth features and cutting-edge technology. The ship not only blends maritime heritage with innovation but also represents the next generation of India’s naval engineering.
INS Vagsheer: An Advanced Submarine
The sixth Scorpene-class submarine under Project 75, INS Vagsheer, reflects India’s growing expertise in submarine construction. Built with the assistance of France’s Naval Group, this diesel-electric attack submarine combines stealth with formidable firepower, further enhancing the Navy’s underwater capabilities.
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine built under the Scorpene-class Project 75. This diesel-electric submarine is designed to carry out a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence operations.
One of its key features is modular construction, which allows for future upgrades, such as incorporating air-independent propulsion technology. This ensures the submarine remains advanced and capable of adapting to evolving naval requirements.
The commissioning of these vessels represents a major achievement in India’s push towards self-reliance in defence and its growing expertise in indigenous shipbuilding. Notably, all three platforms under this project have been entirely designed and constructed within India, showcasing the nation's strides in defence production.
Defense officials and naval leaders have hailed this event as a major achievement, showcasing India’s progress in self-reliance and leadership in naval technology.