PM Modi to Commission Three Indigenous Naval Vessels in Kolkata Ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over a ceremony in Kolkata on Sunday to commission three indigenously built naval platforms into the Indian Navy: the stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, the survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, and the anti-submarine warfare craft INS Agray. The event underscores India's growing capability in domestic shipbuilding, with all three vessels featuring over 75% indigenous content.

INS Dunagiri, named after a mountain range in the Himalayas, is the third ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates. It is designed for multi-role operations including anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. The frigate incorporates advanced stealth features and is equipped with modern sensors and weapons systems, significantly enhancing the Navy's blue-water capabilities.

INS Sanshodhak is a sophisticated survey vessel built for hydrographic surveys and oceanographic research. It will aid in mapping India's maritime boundaries and supporting safe navigation. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art survey equipment and can operate helicopters for extended missions.

INS Agray is an anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft, designed to hunt and neutralise submarines in coastal and shallow waters. It is part of a series of ships aimed at strengthening coastal defence. The vessel is agile, with advanced sonar and torpedo systems, and can operate in littoral zones effectively.

The commissioning ceremony will be held at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam, but the event in Kolkata highlights the city's historical connection to shipbuilding. The three vessels were built at different shipyards under the Ministry of Defence's Make in India initiative. INS Dunagiri was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, INS Sanshodhak at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, and INS Agray at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi.

This milestone reflects the Indian Navy's continued focus on indigenisation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The vessels are expected to join the fleet immediately after commissioning, bolstering India's maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean region.