Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval vessels — INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak — at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, highlighting India’s growing maritime strength and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The three platforms, designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, include INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate, INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, and INS Sanshodhak, a large hydrographic survey vessel.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said the commissioning marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation. He noted that June 21 is observed as World Hydrography Day and described it as a fitting coincidence that India’s most advanced hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sanshodhak, was inducted on the same day.
“The country whose maritime strength is robust, its economic and strategic influence will be equally robust,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that oceans play a critical role in global trade, energy security and communications.
Modi said the induction of the three vessels reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous design, manufacturing and innovation. With more than 75% indigenous content and contributions from over 200 MSMEs, the ships showcase the strength of India’s domestic defence ecosystem.
Referring to the commissioning of INS Vikrant in recent years, he said the journey from INS Vikrant to the latest additions represents India’s increasing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. He added that over 40 indigenous warships and submarines have joined the Navy in recent years, while 45 major naval platforms are currently under construction.
Highlighting the economic significance of the maritime sector, Modi said shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities are being treated as part of a national mission. He pointed to the Centre’s ₹70,000-crore incentive package for the shipping sector and initiatives such as Sagarmala as key drivers of industrial growth and employment generation.
The Prime Minister also noted the rapid expansion of India’s defence manufacturing sector, stating that annual defence production has increased from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore today.
Describing West Bengal as an important centre of India’s maritime heritage, Modi said the state is well-positioned to emerge as a major hub for the blue economy, maritime manufacturing, logistics and coastal development.
He said India has always viewed the oceans as a medium of cooperation and connectivity but emphasised that strong maritime capabilities are essential for safeguarding peace, prosperity and national interests. The induction of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak, he added, symbolises a confident and self-reliant India prepared to meet future challenges.
