Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three frontline naval combatants to the nation on Wednesday: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer. This is the first time in India’s history that a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine have all been commissioned together into the Indian Navy. PM Modi hailed this as a significant milestone for India’s maritime strength.

India: A Reliable Global Power

PM Modi highlighted India’s growing global influence. He stated that the country is now recognized as a ‘reliable’ and ‘responsible’ nation in the Global South. He emphasized that India’s focus is on development, not expansionism. He also referred to the ‘SAGAR’ mantra—Security and Growth for All in the Region—which reflects India’s commitment to the security and growth of all nations within the region.

Significance of the Naval Combatants

PM Modi paid tribute to the historical importance of each vessel. INS Nilgiri represents the maritime power of the Chola dynasty, while INS Surat symbolizes India’s historical connections with West Asia through Gujarat. He also spoke about INS Vaghsheer, stating that these new platforms will enhance India’s security and development. “These new platforms will give strength to India’s security and development,” said PM Modi.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Guard of Honour on his arrival in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Prime Minister will dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai today.… pic.twitter.com/Nd0j3a2khN

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025

India: The First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region

PM Modi recognized the Indian Navy’s critical role in the Indian Ocean Region. He lauded the Navy for saving hundreds of lives and protecting cargo worth thousands of crores. “India has emerged as the First Responder across the entire Indian Ocean Region,” he said. This growing role strengthens India’s position in global security.

Stronger Economic Ties with Global Partners

PM Modi pointed out that India’s economic relations with ASEAN countries, Australia, the Gulf, and Africa are strengthening. The Prime Minister credited the Indian Navy’s humanitarian efforts with helping build global trust. This trust, he noted, is essential for boosting India’s economic cooperation worldwide.

India’s Vision: ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas’

PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to unity and global cooperation. He mentioned India’s belief in the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas’ (Together with all, Trust of all). He also referred to India’s G20 presidency mantra, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ and stressed that India is ready to expand its contributions to global security and economic growth as a maritime nation.

Honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Maritime Vision

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for strengthening India’s maritime defenses. He recognized Shivaji’s legacy and noted that the commissioning of these ‘Made in India’ combatants is a step toward fulfilling India’s vision of becoming a maritime power in the 21st century.

India’s Growing Naval Power

The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer marks a major leap in India’s journey to become a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security. These naval platforms showcase India’s growing capabilities in advanced warfare and indigenous defense technology.

INS Surat: With 75% indigenous content, it is equipped with cutting-edge weapon and sensor systems.
INS Nilgiri: Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, it boasts advanced features for survivability, stealth, and seakeeping.
INS Vaghsheer: Developed in partnership with the Naval Group of France, it highlights India’s expertise in submarine construction.

These combatants represent India’s growing strength as a global maritime power.

#WATCH | Mumbai: PM Narendra Modi says, "…India has also emerged as the First Responder across the entire Indian Ocean Region. In the last few months, our Navy has saved hundreds of lives and has protected national-international cargo worth thousands of crores of rupees. This… pic.twitter.com/HIVrCyYBW3

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025