On January 15, 2025, India will reach a significant milestone in its maritime history as the Indian Navy commissions three advanced combat platforms—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer—on a single day. This unprecedented event highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, showcasing its strategic national security and economic development vision.
It represents a demonstration of naval prowess and a testament to the Navy’s critical role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, fostering industrial growth, and asserting the nation’s influence as a regional and global power. The commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer reflects the culmination of years of effort in indigenous shipbuilding and maritime technology.
INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A frigates, exemplifies cutting-edge stealth technology and operational versatility. Its advanced weapon systems, radar technology, and reduced radar cross-section (RCS) make it a formidable asset for both surface warfare and anti-submarine operations. INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, is a heavily armed warship designed for multi-role missions.
It is equipped with advanced air defence systems and the powerful BrahMos missile, making it indispensable for fleet operations.
Meanwhile, INS Vagsheer, the last submarine under Project 75, is among the most advanced diesel-electric submarines in the world. With stealth technology and a lethal suite of weaponry, including Exocet missiles and wire-guided torpedoes, it ensures robust underwater defence and is future-ready for Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) upgrades, enhancing its endurance and effectiveness.
The simultaneous commissioning of these platforms is an operational milestone and a powerful statement of India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. India’s journey toward naval modernisation began humbly with the construction of INS Ajay in the 1960s.
Over the decades, the shipbuilding industry has evolved dramatically. From small-scale vessels reliant on foreign designs, India now produces sophisticated warships and submarines tailored to its unique strategic needs. This transformation has been driven by key public sector entities such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and Cochin Shipyard (CSL).
These shipyards have significantly enhanced their capabilities, delivering combat-ready platforms integrating advanced indigenous systems. This contrasts sharply with earlier decades when India relied on foreign inputs and required extensive post-delivery testing. The impact of this evolution extends far beyond military capabilities.
The defence shipbuilding industry is a key driver of India’s economic growth and technological innovation. Projects like INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer boast over 75 percent indigenous content, involving contributions from more than 500 medium, small, and micro-enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. The sector has generated employment for over 40,000 people, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits across industries. Government initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) have further catalysed this growth, ensuring that the shipbuilding industry remains a cornerstone of India’s economic development.
The commissioning of these platforms comes at a critical time as India navigates increasing maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. As a net security provider and a resident power, the Indian Navy is instrumental in protecting vital sea lanes, deterring potential threats, and projecting power across the region. The induction of these platforms significantly enhances India’s ability to respond to regional instability.
INS Nilgiri’s stealth capabilities and firepower make it an invaluable asset for surface warfare, while INS Surat’s advanced air defence systems are crucial for protecting fleet operations. INS Vagsheer’s silent and covert capabilities bolster India’s underwater defence and readiness to counter evolving maritime threats. India’s naval modernisation also aligns with its broader geopolitical ambitions. Through initiatives like Mission SAGAR and the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Navy has established itself as a key player in promoting regional security and humanitarian assistance.
The commissioning of these platforms reinforces India’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific, offering a counterbalance to China’s aggressive maritime posturing. Unlike China, India has adopted a quality-over-quantity approach, which produces over 20 warships annually through its commercial shipbuilding dominance.
This strategy focuses on operational versatility and fostering an indigenous ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability and strategic autonomy. The commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer symbolises much more than military strength. It represents India’s emergence as a maritime power capable of contributing to national prosperity and global stability. These platforms reflect the convergence of technological excellence, economic foresight, and strategic vision.
As the world watches this historic event unfold, India is sending a powerful message: it is safeguarding its maritime interests and shaping the future of global maritime security. The Indian Navy, as the cornerstone of this transformation, continues to protect the nation’s sovereignty, promote economic growth, and project India’s influence as a rising global power.
The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: [email protected]
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