Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval ships—INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray—at a ceremony held at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. Describing the induction as a major step towards strengthening India's maritime capabilities and self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Modi said the vessels would give fresh momentum to India's journey towards becoming a stronger maritime power.
Tri-Commissioning Ceremony Marks Maritime Milestone
Speaking at the event, Modi noted that the commissioning coincided with International Yoga Day. He said, "Today is a special day in many ways. The entire world is celebrating International Yoga Day. I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit this great land of Bengal on this very occasion. This is the land that has given new direction to India's ideas, that has fueled India's renaissance, and that has connected India to the world through the sea for centuries. Today, on this very land, an important event related to a self-reliant India, a safe India, and a developed India is taking place. A short while ago, INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak were inducted into the Indian Navy."
The ceremony was attended by senior naval officials and dignitaries. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), the three vessels have indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent and involved the participation of more than 200 MSMEs. Modi highlighted that over 40 warships and submarines have been commissioned in the last few years, and 45 large naval platforms are currently under construction.
Maritime Strength Linked to Development and Security
Emphasising the importance of maritime power, Modi said, "The world is witness to the fact that without maritime capabilities, no nation can become a great power. Development, security, and prosperity are linked to the sea. Today, most of the world's trade is conducted by sea. Vast networks of data that connect the world pass under the sea. In the future, critical minerals, deep-sea resources, and new energy sources will also be connected to the sea." He added, "A country whose maritime power is strong will also have a strong economic and strategic influence and India understands this reality well. India is preparing itself for this, and today is a testament to our capabilities and our skills."
Referring to India's indigenous defence manufacturing efforts, Modi recalled the commissioning of INS Vikrant. He said, "A few years ago, when we dedicated INS Vikrant to the nation, India announced a new chapter in its maritime power. That was a declaration of our strength to the world. The journey from INS Vikrant to today is not just a journey of new warships; it is also a journey of India's growing self-reliance. Today, INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak are giving new impetus to that journey."
INS Dunagiri: Advanced Stealth Frigate
INS Dunagiri is the fifth stealth frigate built under Project 17A. It is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system. The warship is designed to significantly enhance the Navy's combat capabilities and strengthen India's blue-water operational reach.
INS Sanshodhak: Advanced Survey Vessel
INS Sanshodhak is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) built for the Indian Navy. It has been designed to conduct coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collect oceanographic and geophysical data for both defence and civilian purposes. The vessel is equipped with advanced survey systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles. Modi noted that June 21 is also observed as World Hydrography Day, calling it a fitting coincidence that India's most advanced hydrography vessel was commissioned on the same day.
INS Agray: Anti-Submarine Warfare Platform
INS Agray is the fourth vessel of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme. It has been designed to detect and engage underwater threats in coastal and shallow waters and is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow-water sonar systems.
The induction of the three vessels is being seen as a significant boost to the Indian Navy's operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare, while also advancing the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
