PM Modi Commissions Three Indigenously Built Naval Ships in Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built and designed naval ships in Kolkata on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for India’s maritime capabilities and its domestic defense manufacturing sector. The ceremony took place at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) yard, where the Prime Minister formally handed over the vessels to the Indian Navy. The newly commissioned platforms are the INS Dunagiri, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette; the INS Agray, a Fast Patrol Vessel; and the INS Sanshodhak, a Fleet Tug.

During the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the strategic importance of indigenous defense production under his government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. He stated that the commissioning of these ships demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in naval technology and its ability to design and build complex warships domestically. The Prime Minister highlighted that this achievement aligns with the national goal of reducing dependency on foreign imports for critical defense equipment. According to reports from Hindustan Times, Modi focused his remarks on strengthening India’s maritime power through indigenous innovation.

The INS Dunagiri is designed to operate in littoral zones and is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare. It features a stealth design to reduce its radar cross-section. The INS Agray is a high-speed patrol vessel intended for coastal surveillance and rapid response missions. The INS Sanshodhak serves as a fleet tug, providing towing and salvage support to other naval vessels. These ships were constructed entirely within India, utilizing domestic materials and labor, which underscores the capabilities of Indian shipyards in meeting stringent military specifications.

Representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy attended the commissioning ceremony. Officials noted that the successful delivery of these platforms reflects the efficiency of public sector undertakings in the defense sector. The event was widely covered by media outlets, including OpIndia, which described the occasion as a significant development for the Indian Navy’s operational readiness. OpIndia reported that the Prime Minister commended the engineers and workers involved in the construction process for their contributions to national security.

The commissioning of these vessels adds to the Indian Navy’s current fleet strength and enhances its ability to project power in the Indian Ocean Region. The ships will undergo sea trials before being fully integrated into active service. Defense analysts have noted that indigenous shipbuilding reduces long-term maintenance costs and ensures greater availability of spare parts compared to imported vessels.

This event is part of a broader trend of increasing defense indigenization in India. The government has set targets for higher local content in future defense procurements. Previous commissions of similar vessels have been cited by officials as evidence of the success of policies aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing. The Prime Minister reiterated that continued investment in research and development will further accelerate India’s position as a global hub for naval construction.

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