PM Modi Commissions INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vagsheer

On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three significant naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer—at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. This event underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and achieving self-reliance in defense production.

INS Surat: Advanced Guided Missile Destroyer

INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B, also known as the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by MDL, this guided missile destroyer measures 163 meters in length and 17 meters in width, with a top speed of 30 knots. It boasts approximately 75% indigenous content and is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including the indigenously developed Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, torpedo tube launchers, and anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers. The ship also features modern stealth capabilities and can accommodate two helicopters.

INS Nilgiri: Stealth Frigate of Project 17A

INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of Project 17A, an initiative aimed at developing advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by MDL, the ship measures 149 meters in length and 17.8 meters in breadth, with a maximum speed of 28 knots. It features enhanced stealth capabilities, survivability, and seakeeping, and can accommodate two helicopters. The frigate is armed with eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, 32 MRSAMs, torpedoes, Kavach chaff launchers, and a 76mm gun. Future upgrades are planned to include indigenously developed VL-SRSAM missiles.

INS Vagsheer: Final Submarine of Project 75

INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the Kalvari-class, developed under Project 75 through an Indo-French collaboration between MDL and the French Naval Group. This 2,000-tonne submarine is versatile, capable of performing a range of missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, and intelligence gathering. The modular design of INS Vagsheer facilitates future upgrades, such as the integration of air-independent propulsion technology.

Strategic Significance and Future Outlook

The commissioning of these vessels represents a significant advancement in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and defense self-sufficiency. All three platforms were designed and built entirely in India, reflecting the nation’s growing competence in defense production. After rigorous trials, the assets are now fully operational, poised to strengthen the Navy’s maritime power. This development comes amid increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region, underscoring the importance of protecting maritime interests. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the shifting global focus to the Indian Ocean, emphasizing India’s commitment to bolstering its naval power.

In addition to these developments, India’s defense ministry is expected to conclude a deal for three additional Scorpene submarines to be built in India during Prime Minister Modi’s anticipated visit to Paris next month. However, according to the Indian Navy, the first of these submarines is only likely to be commissioned by 2031.

Summary of the news