Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: In a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance, maritime strength, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenous naval ships – Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak – in Kolkata on June 21.
Addressing the Tri-Commissioning Ceremony, PM Modi said the induction of the three naval ships reflected India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and maritime security. He emphasised that all three vessels were designed and built in India, showcasing the country’s engineering expertise, industrial capacity and skilled workforce.
“A country is powerful when it is Atmanirbhar,” he said, adding that India is preparing itself for a self-reliant and developed future by strengthening its maritime capabilities.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the seas, PM Modi noted that maritime power is closely linked to a nation’s development, security and prosperity.
He said the commissioning of the three ships marked another chapter in India’s maritime journey that began with the commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. He described the three vessels as symbols of India’s commitment to self-reliance, innovation and indigenous defence production.
Stressing the Government’s focus on domestic manufacturing, PM Modi said India no longer wishes to remain merely a buyer in the global defence market.
The Prime Minister revealed that more than 40 Made-in-India warships and submarines have joined the Indian Navy in recent years, while 45 major naval warships are currently under construction.
He pointed out that more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the construction of the three naval ships commissioned on Sunday, generating significant employment opportunities.
He said the government has launched a new vision for the shipbuilding sector, supported by policy reforms and measures to boost domestic manufacturing. Shipbuilding, ship repair, ship recycling and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities are now being pursued as a national mission, he added.
He also highlighted efforts to modernise ports, expand river waterways and strengthen multimodal logistics networks through initiatives such as Sagarmala, aimed at reducing trade costs and creating new opportunities in coastal regions.