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In a landmark moment for India’s maritime preparedness and indigenous defence capability, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 21st June commissioned three frontline platforms – INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate; INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large); and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft – into the Indian Navy in Kolkata, West Bengal. These state-of-the-art platforms will significantly enhance the nation’s operational capabilities, maritime security against geopolitical threats, and domain awareness.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that June 21 is also observed globally as World Hydrography Day and described it as a remarkable coincidence that India’s most advanced hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sanshodhak, is commissioned on the same day.
Congratulating the Indian Navy, scientists, engineers, workers and all citizens of the country, he said the achievement reflected India’s growing technological and maritime capabilities. “No nation can emerge as a major power without strong maritime capabilities. 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”, he stated while emphasising the importance of maritime strength in the modern world. PM Shri Modi stated that India fully understands this reality and is preparing itself accordingly. “The commissioning of the three naval platforms stands as testimony to the country’s growing capabilities and skills”, he remarked.
Recalling the commissioning of INS Vikrant, he said that it had marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s maritime journey and announced India’s growing naval strength to the world. He noted that the journey from INS Vikrant to the commissioning of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak is not merely a story of new warships but also a reflection of India’s increasing self-reliance.