On a historic day for the Indian Navy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is emerging as a major maritime power. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of three naval warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer, the Prime Minister emphasized India’s growing strength, commitment to global security, and its role as a responsible and trustworthy partner in the Global South.
Historic Commissioning of Three Naval Warships
For the first time in India’s history, a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine were commissioned together into the Indian Navy’s fleet. This historic event signifies a major step forward in modernizing India’s defense capabilities and underscores the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
INS Surat: A Guided-Missile Destroyer
- INS Surat is the fourth and final guided-missile destroyer under Project 15B.
- It is one of the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world, boasting 75% indigenous components.
- Equipped with cutting-edge weapons, sensors, and advanced network-centric capabilities, INS Surat is a testament to India’s expertise in building world-class warships.
INS Nilgiri: Stealth Frigate of the Next Generation
- INS Nilgiri is the first stealth frigate under Project 17A, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
- Built with enhanced capabilities, it can operate stealthily and remain at sea for extended periods.
- It represents the next generation of frigates, showcasing advanced technology and India’s growing maritime prowess.
INS Vagsheer: The Sixth Scorpene-Class Submarine
- INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the P75 Scorpene project, constructed in collaboration with the French Naval Group.
- It highlights India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and serves as a symbol of international collaboration in defense.
- With advanced stealth features and potent weaponry, it enhances the Navy’s ability to protect India’s maritime interests.
PM Modi’s Vision for India as a Maritime Power
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi stated that India has always championed a free, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted the following:
- A Reliable Global Partner:
- India is recognized worldwide, especially in the Global South, as a responsible and trustworthy partner.
- Unlike expansionism, India focuses on development and cooperation with other nations.
- Modernizing Defense Capabilities:
- In the 21st century, India prioritizes modernizing its military for land, sea, air, and even space defense.
- Continuous reforms are being made to safeguard India’s interests across all domains.
- Strengthening Coastal and Maritime Security:
- The Prime Minister stressed the importance of protecting coastal regions, maritime navigation, and trade supply chains.
- India aims to keep the seas free from threats like narcotics, arms trafficking, and terrorism.
India’s Naval Legacy and Atmanirbhar Bharat
PM Modi paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who gave a visionary boost to India’s naval power centuries ago. He remarked:
- The commissioning of three Made-in-India warships in one event marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant nation.
- These warships reflect India’s capacity to design and build state-of-the-art defense equipment, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global defense hub.
A Glimpse into India’s Global Leadership
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that India is playing a pivotal role in shaping global security, economy, and geopolitics.
- The government has introduced new policies and initiatives to address the nation’s evolving needs.
- India’s development is now inclusive, targeting all regions and sectors to ensure holistic growth.
Key Features of the Warships
INS Surat:
- Type: Guided-missile destroyer
- Project: 15B
- Features: Advanced weaponry, sensors, and indigenous content (75%)
INS Nilgiri:
- Type: Stealth frigate
- Project: 17A
- Features: Stealth capabilities, extended operational endurance, indigenous design
INS Vagsheer:
- Type: Scorpene-class submarine
- Project: P75
- Features: Stealth technology, advanced weaponry, collaborative construction with the French Naval Group
Significance of India’s Growing Naval Power
The induction of these warships strengthens India’s capability to:
- Safeguard Maritime Interests: Protecting India’s coastline and territorial waters.
- Ensure Trade Security: Keeping trade routes free from disruptions.
- Enhance Global Cooperation: Partnering with other nations for maritime safety and disaster response.
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer marks a significant leap for the Indian Navy and reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its maritime power. With its focus on development, innovation, and global cooperation, India is setting an example as a responsible global leader in the maritime domain.
As Prime Minister Modi aptly stated, India is not just securing its waters but also creating a secure and prosperous maritime future for the world.
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