Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the significance of commissioning two indigenously-built warships and a submarine on January 15, calling the move a major step towards "strengthening our efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augmenting our quest towards self-reliance." Speaking ahead of the historic event, PM Modi noted that the commissioning of the destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri, and submarine INS Vaghsheer at Mumbai's Naval dockyard would mark a "special day for naval capacities."

"Tomorrow, 15th January, is going to be a special day as far as our naval capacities are concerned. The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment our quest towards self-reliance," PM Modi said.
This milestone comes ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations and is set to bolster the Indian Navy's blue-water combat capabilities, especially amid China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region. The commissioning of these three naval assets will play a pivotal role in enhancing India's maritime security.

INS Surat: The Cutting-Edge Destroyer

The INS Surat is part of Project-15B, also known as the Visakhapatnam class, which is aimed at developing a new generation of guided missile destroyers. A successor to the Kolkata-class (Project-15A) destroyers, INS Surat boasts significant improvements in design, automation, and armament, marking a leap forward in India’s naval warfare capabilities.

INS Nilgiri: Stealth and Precision

INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of Project-17A, is a stealth-guided missile frigate with advanced features that include reduced radar signatures. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the Nilgiri is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it a formidable vessel. It has the capability to operate independently without the need for supporting vessels and can also serve as the flagship of the naval task force.

INS Vaghsheer: The Silent Submarine

The sixth submarine of the Scorpene-class under Project 75, INS Vaghsheer, is a diesel-electric submarine regarded as one of the most silent and versatile in the world. The submarine is designed for a variety of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, and special operations. It also features a modular design, allowing for future upgrades, including the potential integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. This innovation enables submarines to operate without surfacing for oxygen, providing a strategic edge in underwater operations.
With these cutting-edge additions, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and self-reliance in defence, as India moves closer to becoming a global maritime leader.