'Glorious History Of Navy': PM Modi On Commissioning Of Frontline Naval Combatants

“Today is a very big day for India’s maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given new strength and a new vision to the Indian Navy. Today, in his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century," PM Modi said.

“This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together.," he added.

“Today, India is recognised as a reliable and responsible partner globally, especially in the Global South. India works in the spirit of development, not expansionism. India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," the Prime Minister said.

“Today’s program connects our glorious heritage with future aspirations. India has a long maritime history, including extensive sea voyages, commerce, and naval defence industries. Drawing inspiration from our history, today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power," he said.

“The platforms launched today are a reflection of this progress. These new frontier platforms will provide new strength to India’s security and development," the PM said.

Speaking further, the Prime Minister said, “India is rapidly moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. Our manufacturing and exporting capacity is also increasing continuously. In the coming years, India will need hundreds of new ships and new containers. Therefore, the model of port-led development is going to give impetus to our economy."

“It is going to create thousands of new employment opportunities. The third term of our government has started with many big decisions. We have made new policies at a fast pace. New works have been started keeping in view the needs of the country," he added.

“India operates with the spirit of development, not expansionism. India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. That is why, when it comes to the development of countries connected by the oceans, India gave the mantra of SAGAR, which means ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’. We will continue to move forward with this vision of SAGAR," PM Modi said.

FRONTLINE NAVAL COMBATANTS

INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, represents a significant advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), it incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

It features advanced stealth technology and reduced radar signatures. It is equipped with modern aviation facilities and can operate multiple helicopter types, including the newly inducted MH-60R.

INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class destroyers.

It incorporates improvements in design and capability, making it a critical addition to the Navy’s surface fleet.

Like INS Nilgiri, it has also been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed at the MDL.

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75. It is a diesel-electric submarine designed for multiple roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering.

It features modular construction, enabling future upgrades such as air-independent propulsion technology.

The commissioning of these vessels marks a significant step in India’s defence self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

All three platforms have been designed and built entirely in India, reflecting the country’s growing expertise in defence production.

These combatants have undergone extensive trials and are now fully operational, ready to enhance the Navy’s maritime strength, according to officials.