Mumbai, January 15, 2025 – In a momentous event today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated three advanced naval combatants, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, to the nation at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This historic commissioning marks a significant step towards bolstering India’s maritime strength and reinforcing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. As the nation commemorated Army Day, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to every soldier who has sacrificed their life for India’s security, emphasizing the importance of this day for the country’s defense forces.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of this event, calling it a major milestone for India’s maritime heritage, the Indian Navy, and national security. He acknowledged the pioneering legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who laid the foundation for a strong Navy in India. Shri Modi pointed out that this tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine is a historic first, with all three platforms being proudly made in India. The Prime Minister congratulated the Indian Navy, the workers, and the entire nation for this remarkable achievement, marking a new era for India’s naval power.
“Today’s program links our glorious heritage with our future aspirations”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He added that India has a rich history related to long sea voyages, commerce, naval defence and ship industry. Taking cue from this rich history, he remarked that today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world. He added that the platforms launched today displayed a glimpse of the same. The Prime Minister noted the launch of new platforms, including the INS Nilgiri, dedicated to the maritime prowess of the Chola dynasty, and the Surat warship, reminiscent of the era when Gujarat’s ports connected India to West Asia. He also mentioned the commissioning of the Vagsheer submarine, the sixth in the P75 class, following the commissioning of the first submarine, Kalvari, a few years ago. These new frontier platforms, the Prime Minister stated, will enhance both India’s security and progress.
“India is today recognized as a reliable and responsible partner globally, especially in the Global South”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He emphasized that India operates with a spirit of development, not expansionism. He remarked that India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region. He noted that when it came to the development of coastal nations, India introduced the mantra of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) and advanced with this vision. Highlighting India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, promoting the mantra of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, Shri Modi also mentioned India’s vision of “One Earth, One Health” during the global fight against COVID-19, underscoring India’s belief in treating the world as one family and its commitment to inclusive development. He stated that India considers the defense and security of the entire region as its responsibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message on India’s strategic maritime role, emphasizing the importance of securing territorial waters, protecting trade routes, and addressing challenges like terrorism, arms, and drug trafficking. He underscored India’s proactive position in ensuring safe and free navigation, which is vital for both national security and economic progress. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing maritime logistics and safeguarding ocean resources, noting the country’s growing influence in global maritime security.
Modi also discussed India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military, stressing the importance of self-reliance through the Make in India initiative. He celebrated the military’s achievements in reducing dependency on foreign imports, such as the development of the Tejas fighter jet, indigenous defense manufacturing facilities, and a rise in defense exports. Furthermore, he pointed to the growing maritime industry, including the expansion of shipbuilding and port infrastructure, which is driving economic growth and job creation, especially in the MSME sector. India’s increasing global maritime presence was also highlighted by the doubling of seafarers, reflecting the country’s expanding role in global trade and security.
The Prime Minister also touched upon significant infrastructure developments, including key projects like the Sonamarg and Sela tunnels, aimed at enhancing access to critical border areas. He emphasized the government’s focus on remote island development and its efforts in oceanic and space exploration, such as the Samudrayaan project, which will take India’s scientific capabilities to new depths. Finally, Modi spoke on the importance of moving away from colonial symbols, with the Indian Navy leading this charge by redesigning the Admiral’s epaulettes to reflect India’s proud maritime history. With these initiatives, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India is on the path to becoming a developed nation, one that continues to inspire pride and progress on the global stage.
The Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharasthra Shri Eknath Shinde, Shri Ajit Pawar were present among other dignitaries.
Background
The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security. INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It has an indigenous content of 75% and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities. INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, represents India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.
