PM Modi Commissions Three Indigenous Naval Platforms in Kolkata, Strengthening India’s Maritime Capabilities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a significant milestone in India’s defence journey by commissioning three indigenously built naval platforms — INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray — into the Indian Navy at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The event highlighted the nation’s steady progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its determination to enhance maritime strength for economic growth and strategic security.

PM ModiFile Photo| PTI | New Indian Express

Emphasising Maritime Prowess for National Progress

In his address, Prime Minister Modi underscored the critical role of maritime capabilities in shaping a country’s development and global standing. He observed that no nation can emerge as a major power without robust maritime strength, as development, security, and prosperity are deeply interconnected with the seas.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of transitioning from reliance on external sources to building indigenous capabilities. He noted that true recognition of a nation’s potential comes from self-reliance in defence rather than remaining dependent on foreign markets. This commissioning ceremony reflects India’s broader vision of fostering a strong maritime ecosystem that supports both national security and economic advancement.

The Three New Naval Platforms

The three vessels represent diverse operational strengths tailored to modern maritime challenges. INS Dunagiri, a stealth guided-missile frigate under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), measures about 149 metres in length and displaces around 6,670 tonnes. Designed for multi-domain operations, it features advanced stealth technology, combined diesel or gas propulsion, and a sophisticated weapons suite including BrahMos supersonic missiles, Barak-8 air defence systems, torpedoes, and naval guns. This platform significantly boosts the Navy’s frontline combat capabilities in surface, air, and underwater domains.

INS Sanshodhak, the fourth and final Survey Vessel (Large) in its class, serves as a vital asset for hydrographic and oceanographic research. Measuring approximately 110 metres with a displacement of around 3,300 tonnes, the ship is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles, and advanced data processing systems. It will conduct detailed surveys of ports, navigational channels, and exclusive economic zones, providing essential data that supports safe naval operations and broader maritime activities.

INS Agray, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft from the Arnala-class, specialises in coastal defence and submarine detection. At about 77.6 metres long and displacing 900 tonnes, it utilises waterjet propulsion for superior manoeuvrability in shallow waters. The vessel is fitted with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers, shallow-water sonars, and systems for mine warfare and low-intensity operations, making it highly effective in protecting coastal regions.

All three platforms were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. They incorporate high levels of indigenous content — exceeding 75-80 per cent — and involved extensive contributions from Indian industries, including numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises.

A Milestone in Defence Self-Reliance

This tri-commissioning event marks the first instance of three surface combatants built by a single shipyard being inducted on the same day, demonstrating accelerated progress in indigenous shipbuilding. It builds on recent achievements, such as the commissioning of INS Vikrant and the addition of multiple warships and submarines in recent years. With dozens of additional platforms under construction, India continues to expand its naval fleet while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Senior dignitaries, including West Bengal Governor R N Ravi and Indian Navy leadership, attended the ceremony, reflecting the national importance attached to this development.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray marks an important advancement in strengthening maritime capabilities and reinforcing the vision of defence self-reliance. The induction of these indigenously built platforms demonstrates the growing maturity of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem and highlights the strategic importance of maritime power in ensuring national security, economic growth, and global influence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on reducing dependence on foreign defence markets reflects a broader commitment to building domestic capabilities and achieving greater strategic autonomy.

The addition of these three vessels enhances the Indian Navy’s preparedness across multiple operational domains, including frontline combat, hydrographic research, and coastal anti-submarine warfare. With more than 75–80 percent indigenous content and significant participation from Indian industries and MSMEs, the project showcases the expanding role of domestic manufacturing in defence. The successful tri-commissioning by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers also underlines India's increasing capacity to deliver sophisticated naval assets while steadily progressing towards its goal of becoming a leading maritime power.

(Sources: India Today, Times of India, New Indian Express)