Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that a strong and capable navy is the need of the hour, as the Indian Navy is protecting critical sea lanes, 'choke points' and digital infrastructure linked to national interests, thereby establishing India as a responsible maritime power.
The fourth state-of-the-art warship, INS Taragiri, of Project 17A category, was inducted into the Indian Navy in the presence of Mr. Singh at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. This new 'stealth frigate', weighing approximately 6,670 tons, has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in collaboration with small, micro and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for multi-purpose missions. It features advanced 'stealth technology', making it extremely difficult to detect on radar and giving it an edge over the enemy in challenging conditions. With over 75 percent indigenous equipment and built in record time, INS Taragiri exemplifies India's shipbuilding capability and robust public-private partnership.
In his address, the Defense Minister described INS Taragiri as not just a warship but a symbol of India's growing technological prowess, self-reliance, and empowered naval power. He said, "This ship has the capability to operate at high speeds and remain deployed at sea for long durations. It is equipped with systems that monitor enemy activities, ensure its own protection, and can respond quickly when needed. It features modern radar, sonar, and missile technology, including BrahMos, as well as surface-to-air missiles, which enhance its strength. From intense warfare to maritime security, anti-piracy missions, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian assistance missions, it is fully capable in every role."
The Defense Minister further stated that India's coastline spans over 11,000 kilometers, and a country surrounded by the sea on three sides cannot view its development in isolation from the ocean. He said that nearly 95 percent of the country's trade takes place through sea routes, and energy security also depends on the sea, making the construction of a strong and capable navy not a choice but an imperative necessity.
Highlighting the growing importance of the maritime domain, Mr. Singh said that amidst global uncertainty, the Indian Navy maintains its presence 24/7 in the Indian Ocean region. He said, "There are several sensitive locations in the vast ocean where our navy remains constantly active to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods. Whenever tensions rise, the Indian Navy ensures the protection of merchant ships and oil tankers. It is not only protecting India's national interests but is also ready to take every necessary step to safeguard its citizens and trade routes worldwide. This capability makes India a responsible and empowered maritime power."
The Defense Minister said that in the modern digital age, most of the world's data is transmitted through underwater internet cables, and any damage to them can affect the global system. He appealed for a broader and more futuristic framework for maritime security, beyond the traditional perspective. He said, "We should not limit ourselves to just protecting our coastlines but also ensure the security of critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure linked to our national interests. The Indian Navy is actively involved in all these efforts. The construction and deployment of modern ships like INS Taragiri guarantee peace and prosperity in the entire region."
Mr. Singh said that whenever a crisis arises, whether it is an evacuation mission or humanitarian aid, the Indian Navy always stands at the forefront, and "INS Taragiri will further strengthen the power, values, and resolve of our navy."
Reiterating the government's commitment to making the Indian Navy one of the strongest navies in the world, the Defense Minister said, "Today, we are not just limited to meeting our needs but are also making our place in the global supply chain. From design to final deployment, India is involved at every stage. INS Taragiri is a symbol of this vision."
Referring to the changes that have taken place in the country over the past decade, Mr. Singh said that the government has created an environment that promotes innovation, manufacturing, and exports for the youth and industry. In the current era of uncertainty, there is no alternative to self-reliance in the defense sector. Security efforts should not be limited to just land, sea, and air but should also be extended to space, cyber, and economic domains.
The Defense Minister praised Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and other defense public sector undertakings (PSUs), terming them the hub of self-reliance in the defense sector. He commended the efforts of the public and private sectors for achieving a record level of defense exports worth Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26. He said, "13-14 years ago, we used to export defense equipment worth Rs 1,200 crore, which has now increased to nearly Rs 39,000 crore. This is evidence of India's growing self-reliance."
On the occasion, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi mentioned the glorious legacy of INS Taragiri and recalled the old 'Leander Class' frigate, which was inducted in 1980 and played a crucial role in strengthening anti-submarine warfare capabilities. He said that the Indian Navy will remain a potent, reliable, and future-ready force in the changing maritime security environment and new challenges.
During the ceremony, the commissioning pennant was formally hoisted, and the national flag was raised on the ship for the first time. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Eastern Naval Command Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Chairman and Managing Director Captain Jagmohan (Retd).
This frigate represents a new generation compared to its previous designs, with an improved structure and lower radar cross-section, allowing it to operate with extreme stealth. With over 75 percent indigenous equipment, it reflects the collaboration of over 200 small, micro and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and provides employment to thousands of Indians. Its modern architecture is powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion engine and controlled by an advanced integrated platform management system, making it capable of completing any mission anywhere and at any time.
The ship's combat capability is of global standards, featuring supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and advanced indigenous anti-submarine warfare systems. Its induction into the navy is a significant indication that India has become a major manufacturer of complex warships and has the capability to maintain regional stability in the changing security landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
