PM Modi Commissions Three Indigenous Naval Platforms, Says 'Aatmanirbharta Key To India's Progress'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Aatmanirbharta and the vision of a developed India are central to the country’s progress as he commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval platforms, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray, in Kolkata.

Addressing the tri-commissioning ceremony at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, PM Modi said the induction of the three vessels was a significant step towards building a self-reliant, secure and developed India.

He also congratulated the Indian Navy and the engineers who played a role in the construction of the ships.

“Atmanirbharat, Viksit Bharat, is the key to Bharat’s progress,” the Prime Minister said.

“I congratulate our naval force and the engineers for this commissioning,” he added.

PM Modi said the occasion was special as it coincided with International Yoga Day and World Hydrography Day.

Referring to West Bengal’s historical maritime significance, he said the state had played a key role in connecting India to the world through the seas for centuries.

“Today is a special day in many ways. The entire world is celebrating International Yoga Day. I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit this great land of Bengal on this very occasion. This is the land that has given new direction to India’s ideas, that has fueled India’s renaissance, and that has connected India to the world through the sea for centuries,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the commissioning of the three naval platforms represented an important milestone for India’s self-reliance and maritime preparedness.

“Today, on this very land, an important event related to a self-reliant India, a safe India, and a developed India is taking place. A short while ago, INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak were inducted into the Indian Navy,” PM Modi said.

Highlighting the significance of INS Sanshodhak, he noted that the commissioning coincided with World Hydrography Day.

“Today, June 21st, is also celebrated as World Hydrography Day and it is a wonderful coincidence that on this day, we have commissioned India’s most advanced hydrography ship, INS Sanshodhak,” he said.

PM Modi stressed that maritime strength is critical for any nation aspiring to become a major global power.

“The world is witness to the fact that without maritime capabilities, no nation can become a great power. Development, security, and prosperity are linked to the sea. Today, most of the world’s trade is conducted by sea. Vast networks of data that connect the world pass under the sea. In the future, critical minerals, deep-sea resources, and new energy sources will also be connected to the sea,” he said.

The Prime Minister said India was preparing itself to emerge as a major manufacturing hub and strengthen its position on the global stage.

“India is preparing itself, India wants to be a manufacturer, if we progress, we will be decisive in the world,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of maritime power, PM Modi added, “The country whose maritime strength is robust, its economic and strategic influence will be equally robust. And India understands this reality well.”

He also said that the government had announced a package of Rs 70,000 crore to strengthen India’s maritime sector.

Recalling the commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, PM Modi said it had demonstrated India’s growing capabilities to the world.

“With INS Vikrant, it was the message to the world of India’s strength,” he said.

The three vessels commissioned on Sunday were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

The Ministry of Defence said the platforms represent key operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine warfare.

The Ministry stated that INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system.

INS Sanshodhak is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large), designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, while INS Agray is the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow-water sonar systems.

According to the Ministry, the vessels have indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent and involved participation from more than 200 MSMEs, reflecting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.