President Murmu launches advanced stealth frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the indigenous stealth frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ at Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipyards today, highlighting India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding and technological progress. The frigate is a testament to the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During the ceremony, Murmu emphasised the frigate’s significance in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities. “Vindhyagiri’s construction underscores our pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat through native shipbuilding,” she remarked.
Expressing her admiration for the shipyard’s track record, the President noted, “Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers have built over a hundred warships, including frigates like Vindhyagiri. Their expertise and dedication are commendable.” Vindhyagiri is part of ‘Project 17A,’ which exemplifies India’s commitment to technological self-sufficiency and innovation. “The multi-mission frigates from this series can address various maritime threats,” Murmu added.
Remarking on Kolkata’s significance, Murmu said, “Kolkata is pivotal for our naval preparedness, safeguarding maritime interests and upholding regional stability.” Drawing inspiration from the Vindhya mountain range, she believes that the warship will embody the Vindhyas’ resilience once commissioned. Highlighting India’s economic trajectory, she mentioned, “As the fifth-largest global economy, our ambition is to rank third. The vast proportion of our trade transits via the seas, accentuating the oceans’ critical role in our prosperity.”
Discussing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and broader Indo-Pacific, she listed piracy, drug smuggling, and natural disasters as primary concerns. “The Indian Navy is entrusted with safeguarding our maritime interests and must proactively address these challenges,” she stressed. West Bengal’s Governor CV Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also attended the event. This frigate is the sixth of the seven ships from ‘Project 17 Alpha.’ The previous five were launched between 2019 and 2022. This marks the final stealth frigate Garden Reach Shipyards was contracted to produce for this project.
An official shared that 75% of the equipment and systems orders for the P17A ships were sourced domestically, benefiting local enterprises. Before its official commission, the ship, equipped with advanced technology, will undergo rigorous trials.
P17A frigates are guided missile vessels with a length of 149 metres, displacement of 6,670 tonnes, and a top speed of 28 knots. They are designed to counter threats across air, surface, and sub-surface dimensions.
In a related event, President Murmu initiated the ‘My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal’ campaign as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ spearheaded by Brahma Kumaris.

Murmu launches ‘My Bengal, Addiction-Free Bengal’ campaign
President Droupadi Murmu voiced her concerns about the growing drug abuse among the youth on Thursday, emphasising the pressing need to address the issue. Addressing an event at the Raj Bhavan, she initiated the ‘My Bengal, Addiction-Free Bengal’ campaign in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris. Murmu highlighted the detrimental impact of drug abuse on the youth’s life choices. “The direction our youth take is being severely impacted by these addictions,” she remarked. She believes that the situation can be turned around through spiritual guidance, medical intervention, societal unity, and robust political determination. Organisations like Brahma Kumaris were commended for their proactive stance on such vital matters. Underscoring the psychological and social factors leading to addiction, President Murmu stated, “Addiction not only harms individual health but wreaks havoc in the broader social fabric, including the families of addicts.” She further linked drug consumption with criminal elements, indicating that funds used to procure drugs might also fund illicit activities. She also emphasised the significant role educational institutions play, suggesting they remain vigilant about students’ behaviours and take swift action if issues arise. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and State Minister Shashi Panja marked their presence at the event. In her closing remarks, Murmu expressed her gratitude to Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya for pioneering the campaign and thanked Governor Bose for his endorsement