By edukalive 
On a historic day for India’s maritime legacy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to the nation at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This unprecedented tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine marks a monumental stride towards strengthening India’s naval capabilities and realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
A Glorious Tribute to Maritime Heritage
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the historical significance of the day, coinciding with Army Day—a tribute to India’s valiant warriors. Highlighting India’s rich maritime history, he reflected on the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the visionary who fortified India’s naval strength.
The tri-commissioning event underscores India’s transition into a maritime powerhouse. PM Modi noted the profound symbolism of commissioning all three platforms in India, a testimony to the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and a proud leap towards self-reliance.
India’s Commitment to Maritime Security
The newly commissioned platforms reflect India’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and development in the Indo-Pacific region. The Prime Minister underlined India’s mantra of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the nation’s emergence as the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, cementing its role as a responsible and reliable partner globally, particularly in the Global South.
A Closer Look at the New Combatants
INS Surat: The fourth and final ship under the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, INS Surat boasts a 75% indigenous content. Equipped with advanced weapon-sensor systems, this destroyer exemplifies India’s expertise in network-centric warfare.
INS Nilgiri: The first of the P17A Stealth Frigates, INS Nilgiri reflects next-generation stealth technology. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it features advanced survivability and seakeeping capabilities, showcasing India’s mastery in frigate construction.
INS Vaghsheer: The sixth submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, INS Vaghsheer demonstrates India’s growing expertise in submarine technology. Built in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, this platform further solidifies India’s underwater defense capabilities.
Empowering the Economy through Defense
Beyond enhancing defense capabilities, the Make in India initiative in shipbuilding has emerged as a significant economic multiplier. PM Modi highlighted the impact of shipbuilding on the economy, noting that every rupee invested in this sector generates twice the value in economic activity. With 60 large ships currently under construction, India is set to witness a ripple effect of ₹3 lakh crore in economic circulation and a boost in employment, particularly in the MSME sector.
India’s Role as a Global Maritime Power
India’s strategic investments in maritime infrastructure, including port-led development and improved border connectivity, highlight its vision for comprehensive economic and defense growth. The commissioning of Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra with an investment of ₹75,000 crore is a testament to this forward-thinking approach.
On the global stage, India continues to advocate for open and inclusive maritime governance, safeguarding trade routes and countering threats like terrorism, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Shaping the Future of Naval Warfare
India’s naval modernization is not just about advanced warships and submarines. It is about rewriting the rules of defense with self-reliance as the cornerstone. From establishing defense corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to building world-class fighter jets and helicopters, India is steadily reducing its dependence on imports.
The Navy’s adoption of indigenous platforms like the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines, coupled with exporting defense equipment to over 100 countries, reflects India’s rising stature as a global defense hub.
The Road Ahead
As India marches towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the focus on self-reliance, innovation, and strategic investments continues to gain momentum. With platforms like INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer bolstering its naval strength, India is poised to lead the 21st-century maritime landscape.
In the words of Prime Minister Modi, “While responsibilities may differ, our goal remains the same—Viksit Bharat (Developed India).” These advancements in naval and defense capabilities are not just milestones; they are a pledge to safeguard India’s interests across land, sea, air, and beyond, shaping a brighter and more secure future for the nation.
Author’s Note: The commissioning of these naval platforms is a defining moment for India’s maritime history. It reflects not just the nation’s defense aspirations but its economic and technological resilience. As India propels forward, these initiatives serve as a beacon of progress, symbolizing a new era of self-reliance and global leadership.