KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: In a boost to the country’s naval power, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned two indigenous frontline warships – advanced stealth frigate INS Dunagiri and anti-submarine shallow water craft INS Agray – and one large survey vessel, INS Sanshodhak, into the Indian Navy in Kolkata, saying that the country “does not want to remain a mere purchaser” and was steadily building its own maritime and manufacturing capabilities. Stressing self-reliance in the maritime sector, the PM said, “A nation’s economic and strategic influence are directly linked to its maritime prowess…The day India becomes a Nirmata (creator), it will also become a Nirnayak (decider),” and congratulated Navy, engineers and workers on the achievement.PM Modi noted that more than 40 indigenously built warships and submarines have been inducted into the Navy over the past few years. Fortyfive major naval platforms are currently under construction. “The Rs 70,000-crore incentive package is… an investment in India’s maritime future and industrial expansion,” Modi said.INS Dunagiri, named after a Himalayan peak, is the fifth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A and the second of the class built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). Armed with eight BrahMos cruise missiles and Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, the stealth frigate packs highly potent offensive and defensive multi-dimensional weapon suites.INS Agray, a submarine hunter, is equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets. Large survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, which is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems and four survey motorboats, will contribute to sustainable use of ocean resources and aid coastal and offshore development.In a post on X, defence minister Rajnath Singh said, “These state-of-the-art platforms are a testament to our robust defence manufacturing ecosystem and our unwavering resolve towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
