Modi Commissions Three Indigenous Naval Warships in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three indigenously built naval platforms — stealth frigate Dunagiri, survey vessel (large) Sanshodhak and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft Agray — at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, saying strong maritime capabilities are crucial for a country's economic and strategic influence and that no nation can become a major power without maritime strength.

Addressing the event, Modi said India does not want to remain merely a buyer in the global defence market and that the country's armed forces cannot become just a marketplace for the world, stressing that true recognition comes through self-reliance. He noted that India had already demonstrated its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and highlighted that more than 40 warships and submarines have been inducted into service in recent years, while 45 large naval platforms are currently under construction.

The three frontline vessels, representing key capabilities in maritime combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare, were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent and contributions from more than 200 MSMEs, the vessels underscore India's growing defence manufacturing ecosystem and push towards self-reliance. West Bengal Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan were among the dignitaries present at the commissioning ceremony.