Prime Minister Modi Commissions INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer: Strengthening India’s Naval Power

January 15, 2025 – In a landmark event for India’s maritime defence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three state-of-the-art naval combat ships – INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This historic ceremony is a significant milestone towards India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, showcasing the country’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities and commitment to strengthen its naval might.

Commissioning Ceremony

The commissioning ceremony was a grand affair, attended by senior naval officers, defence officials and other dignitaries. Prime Minister Modi dedicated the three leading naval combat ships to the nation, underlining their crucial role in enhancing India’s maritime security. During his address, Modi highlighted the significance of the event, and said that this is the first time in Indian history that a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine have been commissioned simultaneously. This triple commissioning marks a giant leap in the operational capabilities and defence preparedness of the Indian Navy.

INS Surat: A Guided Missile Destroyer

INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, designed to operate in a network-centric environment. With 75% indigenous content, INS Surat is one of the largest and most sophisticated destroyers globally. The ship is equipped with a state-of-the-art weapon-sensor package, including advanced surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. Its robust network-centric capabilities enable seamless communication and coordination with other naval assets, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Navy.

The destroyer is also equipped with the latest electronic warfare systems, decoys and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, ensuring comprehensive multi-dimensional protection. The commissioning of INS Surat is a testimony to India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, achieved through collaborative efforts between the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and domestic shipbuilders.

INS Nilgiri: A Stealth Frigate

INS Nilgiri is the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), INS Nilgiri represents a significant advancement in stealth technology. The frigate’s design incorporates advanced features for improved survivability, seaworthiness and stealth, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect it.

The ship is equipped with modern aviation facilities, enabling it to operate a variety of helicopters including the Chetak, ALH, Sea King and the recently inducted MH-60R. INS Nilgiri’s versatile capabilities enable it to undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and electronic warfare. The commissioning of the frigate reinforces India’s commitment to develop cutting-edge naval technology and enhance its maritime defence capabilities.

INS Vagsheer: A Scorpene-class submarine

INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project built in collaboration with the French Naval Group. As one of the world’s quietest and versatile diesel-electric submarines, INS Vagsheer is designed to undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance and special operations.

The submarine is equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and advanced sonar systems, giving it potent offensive capabilities. INS Vagsheer’s stealth features, coupled with its endurance and operational flexibility make it a vital asset in maintaining underwater dominance and deterring potential threats in the Indian Ocean Region. The submarine’s commissioning marks the culmination of the P75 Project, highlighting India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and its strategic importance in national defence.

Prime Minister’s Address

During the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significance of the event as a landmark moment for India’s naval history. He lauded the Indian Navy’s role in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and countering various security challenges. Modi highlighted the importance of self-reliance in defence manufacturing, citing the indigenous construction of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer as examples of India’s capabilities.

He also stressed the need to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region given its strategic importance for global trade and geopolitical stability. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to combat terrorism, ensure maritime security, and contribute to global peace and security. He concluded his address by acknowledging the dedication and hard work of the scientists, engineers and defence personnel involved in the construction and commissioning of these naval assets.

Technological advancement and indigenisation

The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer reflects India’s progress in indigenisation and technological innovation in defence. These naval combatants are equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and communication systems, reflecting the country’s prowess in developing cutting-edge defence technology. The emphasis on indigenous content in their construction underlines India’s commitment to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

INS Surat has advanced network-centric capabilities, enabling real-time data sharing and coordinated operations with other naval assets. The ship’s electronic warfare systems, decoys and anti-submarine warfare capabilities provide comprehensive protection against a variety of threats. INS Nilgiri’s stealth design and versatile aviation features enhance its operational flexibility and survivability, making it a formidable asset in the Indian Navy’s arsenal. INS Vagsheer’s sophisticated sonar system, wire-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles make it a potent offensive platform, capable of undertaking a wide range of missions. The submarine’s stealth characteristics and endurance enable it to operate without being detected, providing a strategic advantage in maintaining underwater dominance. Strategic Importance The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer provides a significant boost to India’s maritime capabilities, enhancing the country’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and counter emerging security challenges. These advanced naval combatants will play a vital role in maintaining maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, which is vital for global trade and geopolitical stability. The Indian Ocean Region is a vital maritime region, with major sea lanes facilitating the movement of goods and energy supplies between Asia, Africa and Europe. Ensuring the security of these sea lanes is essential for India’s economic growth and regional stability. The commissioning of these naval assets will strengthen India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and contribute to regional security.