Mumbai, January 15, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three naval combat vessels—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Mumbai naval dockyard, marking a historic day for India’s naval capabilities and self-reliance. During the event, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to development over expansionism and its role as a reliable maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech:
1. Development Over Expansionism:
Modi underscored India’s vision of progress through development (Vikaswad), contrasting it with expansionism (Vistarwad). He highlighted India’s efforts to safeguard its interests across land, air, sea, and space.
2. Empowering the Indian Navy:
The Prime Minister celebrated the commissioning as a significant milestone, empowering the Navy to meet 21st-century challenges. He reiterated India’s leadership in ensuring security and growth across the Indian Ocean Region.
3. Indo-Pacific Security:
Modi reiterated the “SAGAR” mantra—Security and Growth for All in the Region—and emphasized the importance of securing trade routes, combating terrorism, and eliminating arms and drug trafficking.
4. Self-Reliance in Defence:
Calling January 15 a historic day, Modi paid tribute to Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for his contributions to maritime defence. He highlighted the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance, including the identification of over 5,000 items no longer requiring imports.
5. Economic Impact:
The Prime Minister noted that for every ₹1 invested in shipbuilding, ₹1.82 is returned to the economy, with 60 vessels currently under construction, representing a ₹1.5 lakh crore investment.
About the Newly Commissioned Vessels:
INS Surat: The fourth ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, boasting advanced weapon-sensor packages and 75% indigenous content.
INS Nilgiri: The lead ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, designed with state-of-the-art stealth technology.
INS Vaghsheer: The final submarine of the P75 Scorpene-class project, showcasing India’s growing expertise in submarine construction.
India as a Global Defence Player:
Modi highlighted that India is now exporting defence equipment to over 100 countries. The achievements of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, including projects like INS Vikrant and INS Arihant, were also lauded.
“India is recognized globally as a first responder in crises. By embracing self-reliance, we are not only building a stronger defence but also boosting national confidence,” Modi stated.
This commissioning reinforces India’s commitment to an open, inclusive, and secure maritime environment while enhancing its strategic capabilities.
