Vishakhapatnam: The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned two state-of-the-art stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, in a historic ceremony at the Naval Base in Visakhapatnam, marking the first time two major warships built at different Indian shipyards have been inducted simultaneously.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the commissioning ceremony, which officials described as a significant milestone in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance. INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
Both frigates feature over 75% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Symbols of National Resolve
During the ceremony, Singh said, “These ships are more than metal and machinery, they are symbols of our national resolve. I extend my congratulations to the Indian Navy, our defence shipbuilders, and every Indian. This is the realisation of a long-held dream, made possible by our vision and collective effort.”
The Defence Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the location, stating that Visakhapatnam was chosen for its strategic and cultural significance for such a transformative event.
Singh highlighted the vessels’ role in empowering India’s maritime capabilities, stating that with the induction of the two warships, the Indian Navy had been further strengthened as a Blue Water Navy. He said India was now equipped not only to protect its coasts but also to operate in the farthest parts of the Indian Ocean, whether it was combating piracy, countering smuggling and terrorism, or providing disaster relief.
Naval Leadership Signals Readiness
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi reinforced the Navy’s operational readiness, making reference to recent military operations. “Operation Sindoor is not over, but it is merely paused. If the situation demands, the Indian Navy will be the first to act,” he said.
The Admiral noted that recent naval deployments had demonstrated India’s growing deterrent power at sea, forcing regional naval forces into defensive positions.
INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are part of Project 17 (Shivalik-class) frigates, equipped with advanced stealth features, modern propulsion systems, and indigenous weapons and sensors. The vessels are designed for full-spectrum missions under Blue Water conditions. Also, INS Udaygiri holds the distinction of being the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch. Both frigates have been assigned to the Eastern Fleet, enhancing India’s ability to safeguard maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with the hoisting of the Indian tricolour aboard both vessels, witnessed by naval officers, shipbuilders, and defense officials in attendance.
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