INS Tushil, a Russian-built guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officials. This event marks a significant milestone in India-Russia naval cooperation and highlights the growing maritime strength of India, especially in the face of increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. This advanced warship is a product of a 2016 deal between India and Russia, aimed at bolstering India’s naval capabilities with four stealth frigates.
Collaboration between India and Russia
The commissioning of INS Tushil exemplifies the successful integration of Russian and Indian technologies. Built as part of a USD 2.5-billion deal, the ship is an upgraded version of the Krivak III-class frigate under Project 1135.6. It features 26% indigenous content, incorporating advanced technologies from Indian defence firms such as BrahMos Aerospace and Bharat Electronics. Rajnath Singh emphasized the collaboration as a step toward enhancing technological excellence in both nations, focusing on areas like AI, cyber security, and counter-terrorism.
INS Tushil’s Operational Capabilities
The 3,900-tonne frigate, measuring 125 meters in length, is designed to provide enhanced stealth and stability, making it a formidable force in the Indian Ocean. It is expected to significantly augment the Indian Navy’s operational capacity, especially against growing threats in the region. The ship’s technological superiority and advanced design will strengthen India’s maritime defense, particularly in ensuring secure and unhindered trade routes across key global maritime corridors.
India’s Vision for Maritime Security and SAGAR
Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to maritime peace and security, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). He emphasized the role of the Indian Navy as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, promoting collective security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development. Singh highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership with Russia, stating that the two countries’ mutual trust and collaboration would continue to evolve, with the commissioning of INS Tushil being a clear demonstration of this growing cooperation.
Summary of the news
Why in News | Key Points |
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INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy | – INS Tushil, Russian-built guided missile frigate, commissioned into Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia. |
– Part of a USD 2.5 billion deal for four stealth frigates between India and Russia signed in 2016. | |
– INS Tushil is the seventh multirole stealth frigate in Project 1135.6 series, first of the additional follow-on class ships. | |
– Indian content in the ship increased to 26%, demonstrating India-Russia technological collaboration. | |
– The frigate will join the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy, bolstering its capabilities in the Indian Ocean. | |
Defence Minister’s Remarks | – Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing India-Russia defence ties, with collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, and space exploration. |
Construction Details | – Built at Severnoye Design Bureau, Russia. |
– Collaboration with Indian firms: BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems (Tata), Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India. | |
Strategic Importance | – Expected to counter increasing Chinese PLA Navy activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). |
India’s Maritime Vision | – Aligns with PM Modi’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) for promoting peace and security in the IOR. |
Operational Details | – 3,900-tonne ship, 125 meters long with enhanced stealth and stability features. |
– Will support India’s role as a “net security provider” in key global maritime corridors, including the Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, and Malacca Strait. | |
India-Russia Strategic Partnership | – Strengthening strategic ties through the commissioning of INS Tushil and long-standing defence cooperation. |