Mumbai: In a landmark event at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the commissioning of three Indian Navy warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—on Wednesday.

Highlighting the significance of this achievement, PM Modi noted that the induction of these frontline combatants would bolster India’s defense capabilities and further its journey toward self-reliance in the defense sector. The Navy hailed the commissioning as a historic moment, underscoring its importance in strengthening maritime security.

INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, is an evolution of the Shivalik-class frigates. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), INS Nilgiri features advanced stealth technology, reduced radar signatures, and enhanced survivability. Its aviation facilities support multiple helicopter types, including the recently inducted MH-60R, enhancing its operational versatility.

INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-up to the Kolkata-class destroyers. Incorporating advanced design and enhanced capabilities, it represents a critical asset for the Navy’s surface fleet. Like INS Nilgiri, it was designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built at MDL.

INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and last submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75, is a diesel-electric submarine capable of executing diverse missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as intelligence gathering. With modular construction, it is future-ready for upgrades like air-independent propulsion technology, enhancing its operational endurance.

The commissioning of these indigenously designed and built warships marks a major milestone in India’s defense self-reliance and shipbuilding capabilities. All three vessels have undergone extensive trials and are now fully operational, significantly enhancing the Navy’s combat readiness and maritime strength.