KOLKATA, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the growing importance of maritime power in shaping a nation’s global standing, asserting that strong naval capabilities have become a decisive factor in determining economic prosperity, security and strategic influence. Addressing a gathering after commissioning three indigenously built naval platforms at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, the Prime Minister said India is fully aware of the changing geopolitical realities and is preparing itself to emerge as a major maritime force.
The commissioning ceremony marked another milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance, with the induction of stealth frigate Dunagiri, survey vessel Sanshodhak and anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft Agray into the Indian Navy. Built with a high degree of indigenous content, the vessels showcase the country’s growing capability in advanced shipbuilding and naval technology.
Speaking at the event, Modi said maritime power has historically played a defining role in the rise of nations and continues to be a key determinant of economic and strategic success in the modern era. He noted that India’s development ambitions, security priorities and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans, making investment in maritime infrastructure and naval capabilities an essential national objective.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen the Indian Navy through indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation. He reiterated that India does not aspire to remain merely a purchaser of defence equipment from foreign countries and instead seeks to establish itself as a producer and exporter of advanced military platforms.
According to Modi, true recognition of a nation’s strength comes from self-reliance and innovation rather than dependence on external suppliers. He stressed that the country’s armed forces should not be viewed as a market for global defence manufacturers but as institutions powered by domestically developed technologies and equipment.
The Prime Minister pointed to the commissioning of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant as a landmark achievement in India’s maritime journey. He described the vessel as a symbol of the country’s engineering capabilities and determination to build sophisticated defence assets within its own borders.
Referring to the broader modernisation programme underway in the Navy, Modi stated that more than 40 warships and submarines have been inducted over the past few years. He added that another 45 major naval platforms are currently under construction, reflecting the scale of India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.
The newly commissioned vessels are expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational readiness across multiple domains. The stealth frigate Dunagiri is designed to enhance combat capabilities and support a wide range of maritime missions. Survey vessel Sanshodhak will contribute to hydrographic operations and navigational mapping, while Agray is intended to improve anti-submarine warfare capabilities in coastal and shallow-water environments.
Defence officials noted that the three platforms represent advanced indigenous engineering and demonstrate the success of India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence systems. The vessels were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., one of the country’s leading defence public sector enterprises.
A significant feature of the project is the high level of indigenous content incorporated into the vessels. Officials stated that more than 75 per cent of the systems and components used in their construction were sourced domestically. The project also witnessed extensive participation from Indian industry, including over 200 micro, small and medium enterprises, highlighting the growing role of domestic manufacturers in strengthening the defence ecosystem.
The Prime Minister said such initiatives are generating employment opportunities, boosting industrial growth and accelerating technological advancement across multiple sectors. He observed that defence manufacturing has emerged as a key pillar of the government’s vision for a self-reliant India and is contributing to the country’s economic transformation.
Modi further emphasised that maritime security has become increasingly important in an era marked by evolving geopolitical challenges, expanding trade routes and growing competition in strategic waterways. He noted that safeguarding national interests at sea requires continuous investment in naval infrastructure, advanced platforms and skilled personnel.
The event was attended by several senior dignitaries, including West Bengal Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Senior defence officials, naval personnel and representatives from the shipbuilding industry were also present during the commissioning ceremony.
Experts view the induction of the three vessels as another step forward in India’s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. With global trade increasingly dependent on secure sea lanes and maritime connectivity, countries around the world are investing heavily in naval capabilities to protect their strategic interests.
The commissioning ceremony highlighted India’s broader objective of becoming a leading maritime nation through indigenous innovation, industrial growth and defence modernisation. As the country continues to expand its naval capabilities and strengthen domestic manufacturing, policymakers believe these efforts will play a critical role in enhancing national security and reinforcing India’s position as a major global power.
The induction of Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray not only boosts operational readiness but also serves as a powerful demonstration of the country’s technological progress and commitment to self-reliance. With several major naval projects currently underway, India’s maritime strength is expected to remain a central component of its long-term strategic vision.