Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s emergence as a significant maritime power during the commissioning of three warships: a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine, all built under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He emphasized India’s commitment to a secure, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, calling for global cooperation to combat maritime threats like drugs, weapons, and terrorism.
Modi stated that India has solidified its role as a "first responder" in the Indian Ocean and aims to influence global security, economic stability, and geopolitical dynamics. He asserted the importance of protecting territorial waters and trade routes while maintaining that India’s focus is on development rather than expansion.
Over the past decade, the Indian Navy has inducted 33 ships and seven submarines, with defense production surpassing ₹1.25 lakh crore, and equipment being exported to over 100 countries. The newly commissioned warships include INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, designed to enhance naval capabilities with advanced technology and stealth features, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance and modernization efforts in defense.
