MUMBAI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled two frontline warships of the Indian Navy, the 'Surat' and 'Udaygiri,' at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in Mumbai on Tuesday, praising the Indian Navy's ongoing efforts towards 'Aatmanirbharta.'

'Surat' is the fourth P15B class Guided Missile Destroyer, while 'Udaygiri' is the second P17A class Stealth Frigate.
Singh described the warships as an embodiment of the government's steadfast commitment to boosting the country's marine capacity, focusing on 'Aatmanirbharta', in his address at the commissioning of frontline warships.

The Indian Navy has always been at the forefront of ensuring self-reliance by manufacturing indigenous ships, submarines, and other vessels, said the Defence Minister.  "Joining hands with programmes like 'Make in India,' the Navy has offered Indian vendors 76 percent Acceptance of Necessity (AON) and 66 percent cost-basis contracts in 2014, and 90 percent of Naval ammunition has been indigenized," he said.

He expressed confidence in the government's efforts to attain self-sufficiency, saying, "Furthermore, in the last five fiscal years, indigenous procurement accounted for more than two-thirds of the Navy's modernization budget. The Navy has ordered 41 ships and submarines, with 39 coming from Indian shipyards. This demonstrates the Navy's dedication to achieve 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

He also singled out INS Vikrant, calling it a watershed moment in the Navy's Aatmanirbharta journey. Singh stated that the two warships will strengthen the Indian Navy's weaponry and reflect India's strategic strength and self-reliance to the rest of the globe.

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