PM Commissions Three Indigenous Naval Ships, Highlights India’s Growing Maritime Strength
Kolkata, June 21 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval platforms — INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray — at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port here, describing the event as a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance, maritime security and national development.
The three vessels, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, were constructed with over 75 per cent indigenous content and support from more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Addressing on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the induction of the three naval platforms would significantly strengthen India’s operational capabilities, maritime domain awareness and coastal security.
“No nation can emerge as a major power without strong maritime capabilities. Development, security and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans,” Modi said, noting that global trade, data networks, critical minerals and future energy resources are increasingly tied to the maritime domain.
Observing that the event coincided with International Day of Yoga and World Hydrography Day, the Prime Minister described the commissioning of INS Sanshodhak, one of India’s most advanced hydrographic survey vessels, on the occasion as particularly significant.
Modi said the commissioning of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak reflected India’s growing expertise in indigenous design, manufacturing and innovation.
“All three vessels symbolise India’s commitment to self-reliance. They showcase the talent of Indian industries, the expertise of Indian engineers and the hard work of Indian workers,” he said.
The Prime Minister asserted that India no longer wishes to remain merely a buyer in the global defence market and is determined to emerge as a producer and exporter of defence equipment.
Highlighting progress in the defence sector, Modi said 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.
“These are not merely statistics; they reflect India’s industrial capability and future potential,” he said.
Emphasising the economic importance of the maritime sector, the Prime Minister said shipbuilding generates employment across a vast industrial ecosystem, including steel, electronics, machinery and component manufacturing sectors.
He noted that more than 200 MSMEs contributed to the construction of the three vessels, creating substantial employment and economic activity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Centre’s vision for maritime development, citing the ₹70,000-crore incentive package for the shipping sector and flagship initiatives such as the Sagarmala Programme aimed at reducing logistics costs, boosting industrial growth and creating opportunities in coastal regions.
Referring to India’s transformation in defence manufacturing, Modi said the country’s defence production has increased from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore today, driven by policy reforms and a strong focus on self-reliance.
He also underlined West Bengal’s historic maritime significance, noting that the state has long served as one of India’s gateways to global trade and cultural exchange.
“West Bengal is poised to become a major hub for India’s blue economy, maritime manufacturing, logistics and coastal development in the years ahead,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said India has always viewed the oceans as a medium of cooperation and connectivity and stressed that security and self-reliance remain essential for safeguarding prosperity and building the future.
He congratulated the Indian Navy, scientists, engineers, shipyard workers and all stakeholders involved in the project, expressing confidence that India’s maritime and defence sectors would continue to strengthen the nation’s security, prosperity and global standing.
TNT KM
