Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval vessels in Kolkata on Sunday [1].

The additions to the fleet represent a strategic effort to enhance India's maritime capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign defense imports. By utilizing domestic shipbuilding, the government aims to strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India programs.

The ceremony took place at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, specifically at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. facility [1]. The three ships include the INS Dunagiri, a stealth frigate, and the INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel [2]. The third vessel, INS Agray, is designated as both an anti-submarine and shallow-water craft [2].

Modi emphasized the connection between national stability and the ocean during the event. "Development, security, prosperity linked to sea," Modi said [3].

The commissioning of these three [1] vessels is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Indian Navy's operational reach. The stealth capabilities of the INS Dunagiri, and the specialized functions of the survey and anti-submarine ships, provide a diversified response to regional maritime challenges.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister highlighted the transition of the nation's naval strategy. "It is time for India's next phase of maritime power," Modi said [4].

Each vessel was constructed within India to demonstrate the country's growing capacity for complex naval engineering. The project underscores the government's goal to transform India into a global hub for defense manufacturing and maritime security.

“"It is time for India's next phase of maritime power."”

The commissioning of these vessels signals India's intent to secure its interests in the Indian Ocean Region through domestic industrialization. By diversifying its fleet with stealth frigates and specialized survey craft, India is moving away from a reliance on Western or Russian hardware toward a sustainable, home-grown defense ecosystem that supports both national security and economic growth.