21 June,2026 06:54 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
PM Narendra Modi commissioned INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray into the Indian Navy on Sunday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three frontline naval platforms - INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray - into the Indian Navy, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance, maritime security, and national development.
The three indigenously designed and built platforms include INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate; INS Sanshodhak, a large hydrographic survey vessel, and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft. The vessels are expected to enhance India's operational capabilities, maritime security, and domain awareness.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony in Kolkata, PM Modi said no nation can emerge as a major power without strong maritime capabilities, noting that development, security and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans.
"Most of the world's trade moves through sea routes, while vast global data networks operate beneath the oceans. Critical minerals, deep-sea resources and future sources of energy will increasingly be connected to the maritime domain. Therefore, a nation's economic and strategic influence is directly linked to the strength of its maritime sector," stated PM Modi.
He noted that the commissioning coincided with World Hydrography Day and described it as a remarkable coincidence that INS Sanshodhak, India's most advanced hydrographic survey vessel, was inducted into service on the same day.
Highlighting India's growing self-reliance in the defence sector, PM Modi said the commissioning of the three vessels reflected the country's increasing technological and maritime capabilities.
"The journey from INS Vikrant to INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak is not merely a story of new warships but also a reflection of India's growing self-reliance. All three vessels symbolise India's commitment to indigenous design, manufacturing and innovation," stated PM Modi.
He asserted that India does not want to remain merely a buyer in the global defence market and aims to emerge as a major defence manufacturer.
"The strength of a nation's military cannot be measured by its dependence on global markets but by its ability to become self-reliant. Nations that manufacture become decisive players on the global stage," he said.
PM Modi noted that more than 40 indigenously built warships and submarines have been inducted into the Indian Navy in recent years, while 45 major naval platforms are currently under construction.
He also highlighted the employment potential of the maritime sector, saying the government views it as a major engine of economic growth and job creation. More than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the construction of the three naval platforms, he said.
Referring to policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector, PM Modi stated that the government has introduced several reforms, including a Rs 70,000-crore incentive package for the shipping industry.
He further said that India's defence production has increased from around Rs 40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 1.8 lakh crore at present, reflecting the rapid growth of the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the tri-commissioning as a defining moment in India's maritime capability development.
"These state-of-the-art platforms are a testament to our robust defence manufacturing ecosystem and our unwavering resolve towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. They now stand ready to safeguard our national interests and ensure a secure Indian Ocean," Singh said.
The three vessels were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and constructed by GRSE with extensive participation from Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs.
Built with over 75 per cent indigenous content, the platforms underscore India's push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and are expected to play a key role in strengthening the country's maritime capabilities.
