Rajnath Singh Commissions INS Mahendragiri, Hails Indigenous Shipbuilding

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, he described the warship as a symbol of India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding.

He said: “Future wars may be fought with artificial intelligence; but national resolve, trained soldiers, and capable military power will still be the actual winners. New technologies and conventional platforms do not oppose each other, they supplement one another. Without conventional platforms, new technologies are incomplete.”

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth warship to be inducted into the Indian Navy under the Project 17A programme, following INS Nilgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Himgiri, INS Taragiri and INS Dunagiri.

Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, the 6,670-tonne frigate has more than 75 per cent indigenous content. It is equipped for fleet air defence, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, surveillance and humanitarian assistance missions.

The warship is capable of speeds up to 28 knots. It is equipped with BrahMos supersonic missiles, medium-range air defence systems, multifunction radar, indigenous rocket and torpedo launchers, electronic warfare systems, close-in weapon systems, advanced sensors, network-centric combat systems and a multi-role helicopter.

The defence minister said emerging technologies, such as drones, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic weapons are transforming warfare. But conventional military capabilities remain the backbone of national defence. He referred to Operation Sindoor as an example of the integration of conventional and modern capabilities.

Highlighting the link between maritime and economic security, Rajnath Singh said the Navy played a key role in safeguarding trade, supply chains, and energy security. He reaffirmed India's commitment to the SAGAR vision and described the Navy as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in humanitarian assistance, anti-piracy operations, and evacuation missions.

Referring to Operation Urja Suraksha, the defence minister pointed out that the Navy had escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth more than ₹9,000 crore, underscoring its role in protecting the country's economic interests.

He asserted that indigenous warship construction is strengthening India’s defence sector, while promoting growth of industries, such as steel, electronics, propulsion, and software. He cited initiatives including Maritime India Vision 2030, the Maritime Development Fund, and shipbuilding assistance schemes to position India as a global shipbuilding and maritime innovation hub.

“Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a new powerhouse of India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing. It is actively involved across air, water, land, and unmanned domains. This means weapon systems that we previously imported will now be produced near our own Vizag,” Rajnath Singh underlined.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan described INS Mahendragiri as a symbol of India's maritime capability and technological self-reliance. He said Project 17A programme has set new benchmarks by reducing the launch-to-delivery period by half and cutting construction time by 20 per cent, while completing sea trials in record time.

INS Mahendragiri commissioning featured the breaking of the Commissioning Pennant and hoisting of the National Flag. Senior naval officers, veterans, representatives of the shipbuilding industry and other dignitaries attended the event.

Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the frigate motto is “Mighty, Majestic, Matchless.” It has been built with contributions from more than 200 public and private Indian industries.