On the occasion of India’s Army Day, PM Narendra Modi took a historic step to elevate India’s maritime strength and self-reliance. On Wednesday morning, after arriving in Mumbai from Delhi amidst thick fog, PM Modi dedicated three major warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation at the Navy Dockyard in Mumbai.
Addressing the nation, PM Narendra Modi said, “Today is a significant day for the Indian Navy and our self-reliant India campaign. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave a new perspective and capability to naval power. Today, following in his footsteps, we are taking a significant step towards empowering the Navy of the 21st century. For the first time, a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine are being commissioned together. The proudest part is that all of them are ‘Made in India’.
🚢 Three Titans; One Remarkable Day🇮🇳
⭐ A proud moment in India’s journey of maritime excellence and self-reliance! 🇮🇳
In a grand ceremony presided over by Hon’ble PM @narendramodi , #IndianNavy⚓ is set to commission three state-of-the-art combat platforms today; a monumental… https://t.co/S3Xg9pbluE pic.twitter.com/UngTRdkfYw
— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) January 15, 2025
A key addition to India’s defense and maritime security is the commissioning of these warships, propelling the self-reliance cause in defense production. This event not only lifts India’s standing in naval ability but also advances recognition within the international mainstream.
INS Surat
INS Surat is the fourth and last ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer project that is one of the largest destroyers in the world. It possesses 75 percent indigenous content and, therefore, significantly enhances the indigenous defense capability of India. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and network-centric warfare capabilities, INS Surat is an answer to the maritime challenges at sea and can ensure India’s dominance at sea.
INS Nilgiri
The first vessel to come out under the P17A Stealth Frigate Project undertaken by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, INS Nilgiri, is another highly advanced platform based on the modern designs that augment efficiency during long-range missions in waterways. It has become the pride of the latest indigenous frigates, providing additional strength for India’s navies and showing high survivability, seakeeping, and stealth capabilities.
INS Vaghsheer
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene project. It is an example of India’s growing expertise in submarine manufacturing, developed in collaboration with the French Naval Group. This submarine strengthens India’s strategic capabilities and marks a significant achievement in the country’s defense sector.
India’s Naval Fleet Strength Ranking
The strength of the warships, submarines, and other seafaring equipment of a country is a crucial indicator of the warpower of a nation. India is at rank 6 out of the world countries with 296 numbers of warships and submarines. China has 754, the United States has 440, Russia has 419, and Indonesia has 331. Sweden ranks 5th with 308 numbers of warships. India’s navy is constantly growing in strength to secure its territorial waters and have a distinct position in international maritime affairs.
PM Narendra Modi said, “In the next few years, India will need hundreds of new ships and containers. We are also moving forward in space and deep-sea exploration. Our Samudrayaan project, taking scientists to a depth of 6000 meters below the sea, is proof of our increasing capacities. These new advanced ships and submarines have set a huge leap in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey. Stronger maritime defense and self-reliance for the nation is the gateway for it.”