India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world: PM Modi at historic warship commissioning event

In a historic moment for India's maritime heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday celebrated the commissioning of three frontline naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This milestone marked the first-ever commissioning of a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine together, symbolising India's rising maritime strength and growing self-reliance in defence.

“Today is a very big day for India's maritime heritage, the glorious history of the Navy, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. For the first time, a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine are being commissioned together,” he said. “It is a matter of immense pride that all three frontline platforms are Made in India. Today's India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world,” he said while addressing the audience at the event.

PM Modi also underscored India's growing influence in the global maritime domain, emphasizing the country's role in ensuring the safety and prosperity of international seas. "Bharat has become the first responder in the whole Indian Ocean region. Our soldiers have saved hundreds of lives in the region," he said.

The commissioning event comes at a time when India is increasingly recognised as a reliable and responsible partner in global security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

"India works in the spirit of development, not expansionism. India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Modi remarked, highlighting India's commitment to safeguarding maritime freedom and global stability.


PM Modi also took the opportunity to outline India's broader vision for its future as a major global player.

“India is increasing its capacity for deep-sea exploration. We are set to reach 6,000 meters below sea level for deep-sea exploration, a feat only a few countries in the world have managed to achieve,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that India’s maritime ambitions are deeply connected to its broader goals of economic and technological advancement. "Today, Bharat is heading to become the world's third-largest economy," he added.

The Prime Minister also expressed pride in the rapid progress made in India's maritime capabilities, pointing to the doubling of seafarers in India since 2014. "India is on the path of becoming a global leader in maritime affairs," he said, noting the pivotal role that the Navy and maritime industries will play in the nation's future.

A historic achievement for India’s Navy

The three warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—represent the latest in India's self-reliant naval capabilities. INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, and INS Surat, the fourth vessel in the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, were both designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class Project 75, is a cutting-edge diesel-electric submarine with modular construction, allowing for future upgrades such as air-independent propulsion technology.


As PM Modi remarked during the event, India’s commitment to bolstering its naval strength is rooted in the legacy of past leaders such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had given new strength and vision to the Indian Navy. Today, Modi said, India is taking "a very big step towards strengthening the Navy of the 21st century," reaffirming India’s vision of becoming a global maritime leader in the years to come.