VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth-guided missile frigate, into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam on Saturday, marking a major boost to India’s maritime strength. The induction of the advanced warship underscores the country’s growing focus on indigenous defence production, naval modernisation, and the vision of achieving greater self-reliance in the defence sector.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), INS Mahendragiri represents the latest generation of Indian-built stealth frigates. With more than 75 percent indigenous content, the vessel reflects the country’s growing capabilities in designing and producing sophisticated naval platforms under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Rajnath Singh Highlights India’s Defence Self-Reliance
Addressing naval personnel and dignitaries during the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the induction of INS Mahendragiri as a proud moment for the nation. “INS Mahendragiri is a testament to India’s growing defence self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities,” he said.
He also said the warship symbolizes the country’s technological advancement and its determination to strengthen maritime security in an increasingly challenging global environment.
The Defence Minister also emphasized that India is steadily building a modern and capable Navy equipped with advanced indigenous platforms that can safeguard national interests across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
A Modern Stealth Warship with Advanced Combat Systems
INS Mahendragiri has been equipped with a range of cutting-edge weapons, sensors and surveillance systems that significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities.
The frigate features advanced stealth technology designed to reduce radar detection, making it harder for adversaries to track during combat operations. It is armed with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, modern electronic warfare equipment and sophisticated sensors capable of handling multiple mission profiles.
Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, the warship offers high-speed performance, long operational endurance and the flexibility to undertake anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions.
Boost to India’s Maritime Security
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri comes at a time when India continues to strengthen its maritime presence in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
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Security experts believe the addition of another advanced stealth frigate will improve the Navy’s ability to protect sea lanes, conduct surveillance, respond to regional security challenges and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The new warship also enhances India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests amid evolving geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
Project 17A Marks Major Naval Modernisation
INS Mahendragiri is part of the Indian Navy’s ambitious Project 17A programme, which involves the construction of seven advanced stealth frigates featuring improved survivability, automation and combat capability over the earlier Shivalik-class vessels.
The project has become one of India’s flagship indigenous defence programmes, highlighting close collaboration between the Navy, Indian shipyards and domestic defence industries.
The commissioning of Mahendragiri represents another successful milestone in the implementation of the programme, reinforcing India’s commitment to building world-class naval platforms domestically.
Preparing for Future Warfare
Speaking on India’s broader security preparedness, Rajnath Singh underlined that future conflicts may emerge in unpredictable ways and stressed the importance of continuous technological advancement. He further said, “Future conflicts could emerge in unforeseen forms. Our soldiers and sailors must remain physically and mentally prepared while mastering emerging technologies.”
His remarks highlighted the government’s focus on equipping the armed forces with next-generation platforms capable of addressing modern security challenges.
Strengthening India’s Blue-Water Navy
The induction of INS Mahendragiri further expands the Indian Navy’s frontline fleet as it pursues its long-term vision of becoming a capable blue-water force.
The warship will enhance operational readiness across a wide spectrum of missions, including maritime security, deterrence, escort operations, surveillance, anti-piracy missions and disaster response.
With indigenous warship construction gathering momentum, India continues to reduce dependence on imported defence platforms while promoting domestic innovation and strengthening its defence industrial ecosystem.
As INS Mahendragiri officially enters service, it stands as another milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a leading maritime power, reflecting the country’s growing technological capabilities and strategic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.
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