In a monumental step towards enhancing India's defense and maritime strength, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday officially dedicated three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation. This historic event witnessed the induction of these advanced warships into the Indian Navy, symbolizing a giant leap in India's naval capabilities.

Addressing the nation on the occasion, PM Modi remarked, "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 Indian Navy. Today, on his holy land, we are taking a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century. This is the first time when a destroyer, a frigate and a submarine, all three are being commissioned together." His speech highlighted the proud legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the revered Maratha king credited with laying the foundation of a formidable naval force in Indian history, and underscored India's commitment to self-reliance in defense through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi embarked on a one-day visit to Mumbai to participate in this landmark event. Apart from commissioning the naval combatants, he also inaugurated a new ISKCON project, adding a cultural dimension to his busy schedule.

The induction of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer into the Navy is seen as a major stride towards India's vision of emerging as a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security. These warships represent not only technological sophistication but also India’s growing capability to produce world-class defense equipment indigenously.

• INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, stands among the largest and most advanced destroyers globally. With 75% indigenous content, the ship boasts cutting-edge weapon-sensor systems and robust network-centric capabilities, solidifying India's position as a hub for advanced defense manufacturing.

• INS Nilgiri, the pioneering ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, exemplifies the expertise of the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau. Its state-of-the-art features enhance survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, making it a significant addition to the fleet of next-generation indigenous frigates.

• INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, is a testament to India's evolving prowess in submarine construction. Built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, it underscores the successful integration of global expertise with local ingenuity.

Continuing his mission to uphold and promote India’s rich cultural heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ambitious ISKCON project located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. This sprawling initiative, covering nine acres, serves as a beacon of cultural and spiritual enlightenment. The project includes a magnificent temple adorned with several deities, a Vedic education center, proposed museums and an auditorium, as well as a healing center, among other facilities. Its primary aim is to foster universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony through the teachings of the Vedas, emphasizing India's ancient wisdom and values.

While addressing the nation’s defense requirements, the induction of the three naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—is a monumental step towards achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. These vessels are emblematic of India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical sectors like defense, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, particularly along its extensive maritime borders. The event also marks India’s growing capability to produce sophisticated naval equipment, reinforcing its naval combat-readiness and global standing in defense innovation.

Among the three, INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, stands as a symbol of technological prowess. Designed indigenously by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it features a significant leap in capabilities over its predecessor, the Shivalik-class frigates. The Navy highlights INS Nilgiri’s advanced stealth features, including a reduced radar signature achieved through state-of-the-art technology. Its super-rapid gun mount further enhances its combat abilities, making it a formidable asset in India's maritime defense strategy.

The induction of INS Nilgiri not only showcases India’s capability to build world-class frigates but also solidifies the operational readiness of the Navy to address emerging threats and challenges. Its addition to the fleet underscores the nation’s determination to protect its maritime interests while advancing indigenous manufacturing to meet global benchmarks.

Among the most advanced destroyers globally, INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, has been officially inducted into the Indian Navy. The ship stands as a testament to India's growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing, boasting 75% indigenous content. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), INS Surat is equipped with cutting-edge weapon-sensor systems and next-generation network-centric capabilities, making it one of the world’s most lethal destroyers.

Adding to their versatility, both INS Surat and INS Nilgiri are designed to operate a range of helicopters, including the Chetak, the advanced light helicopter, and the newly inducted MH-60R helicopters, enabling them to perform diverse missions with greater efficiency. The Indian Navy highlighted, "Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, both ships are outfitted with advanced sensors and weapon systems, largely developed in India or through strategic partnerships with leading global manufacturers." This statement underscores India's emphasis on self-reliance and strategic collaborations to achieve cutting-edge capabilities in defense.

The induction of these three naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—comes at a crucial time, as the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region grow increasingly complex. Their inclusion significantly enhances India’s maritime combat-readiness and positions the nation as a formidable force in the region. With multiple countries striving to assert dominance and rising transnational conflicts, the ability to secure maritime borders has become a critical factor in maintaining national sovereignty and stability.

The induction of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer into the Indian Navy signifies a historic leap in India’s defense capabilities, each vessel bringing unique and cutting-edge advancements to the fleet.

INS Surat

INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, standing tall as part of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers. Renowned as one of the largest and most sophisticated destroyers globally, INS Surat represents the pinnacle of Indian naval engineering with 75% indigenous content. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities, it reflects India’s commitment to producing world-class warships. The destroyer also has the distinction of being the first Artificial Intelligence-enabled warship of the Indian Navy, a technological milestone that enhances operational efficiency and decision-making during critical missions.

Other warships of the Visakhapatnam class include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal, further cementing this class as a cornerstone of India’s naval defense strategy.

INS Nilgiri

The lead ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, INS Nilgiri showcases the innovative prowess of the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau. As the first vessel of the Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates, it incorporates advanced features aimed at enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth. These attributes not only allow the ship to operate effectively in high-risk zones but also make it a formidable asset in modern naval warfare. Every feature of INS Nilgiri underscores the next generation of indigenous frigates, reflecting India’s growing expertise in designing and producing advanced maritime platforms.

INS Vaghsheer

As the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, INS Vaghsheer epitomizes India’s mastery in submarine construction, achieved in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. This diesel-electric attack submarine, part of the Scorpene class, is designed to operate stealthily with advanced acoustic silencing techniques, low radiated noise levels, and a hydrodynamically optimized shape that makes it nearly undetectable by enemy radars.

INS Vaghsheer boasts an impressive arsenal, capable of launching precision-guided weapons using 18 torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles simultaneously. Measuring 67.5 meters in length with a beam of 6.2 meters, it achieves a maximum speed of 11 knots (20 km/h) surfaced and 20 knots (37 km/h) submerged. The submarine has a maximum diving depth of 350 meters and can remain at sea for up to 50 days, offering unparalleled endurance in extended missions.

A New Era of Maritime Strength

The integration of these three naval combatants marks a turning point in India's defense narrative. With their sophisticated design, advanced technology, and indigenous development, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer not only enhance India’s maritime capabilities but also position the country as a global leader in naval innovation. Their addition to the fleet underscores India's dedication to protecting its maritime borders while contributing to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.