“This is the first time in Indian Navy’s history that three indigenously built warships are commissioned at the same time and the induction of these cutting-edge naval vessels showcases India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security,” said the PM while addressing the gathering at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
“These vessels, built indigenously, enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and strengthen India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region. Today, India is recognised as a reliable and responsible partner globally, particularly in the Global South. India operates in the spirit of development, not expansionism and has always supported an open, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” said the PM.
Emphasising the significant role of maritime nations like India in shaping global security, economics, and geopolitical dynamics, Modi highlighted the importance of protecting territorial waters, ensuring freedom of navigation and securing trade supply lines and sea routes for economic progress and energy security. He stressed on the need to safeguard the region from terrorism, arms, and drug trafficking.
Acknowledging the adoption of Atma Nirbharta (self-reliance) by India’s armed forces, the PM mentioned the efforts to reduce dependence on other countries during crises. He said that the armed forces have identified over 5,000 items and equipment that will no longer be imported. “India is exporting defence equipment to more than 100 countries,” he said.
INS Surat, the final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is one of the most advanced destroyers, with 75 per cent indigenous content. It is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor systems and advanced network-centric capabilities. It incorporates improvements in design and capability, making it a critical addition to the Navy’s surface fleet.
INS Nilgiri, the first of the Project 17A stealth frigates, incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.
INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75. It is a diesel-electric submarine designed for multiple roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering. The vessels have been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
Later, PM Modi had a luncheon meeting with the legislators of the ruling MahaYuti government in Maharashtra. The meeting was held at the auditorium of INS Angre in Mumbai. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, two Deputy CMs — Eknath Shinde, who is the Shiv Sena chief leader and Ajit Pawar, who is the NCP president — also attended the meeting. According to sources, Mr. Modi urged the legislators to ensure that the schemes of the central and state governments reach the people.
In the afternoon, the PM inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. “India is an extraordinary and wonderful land, not just a piece of land bound by geographical boundaries, but a living land with a vibrant culture. The essence of this culture is spirituality, and to understand India, one must first embrace spirituality,” he said.
The PM stated that those who view the world only from a material perspective see India as a collection of different languages and provinces. However, when one connects their soul with this cultural consciousness, they truly see India, he added.