Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval ships in Kolkata on Sunday, June 21, 2026, emphasizing the importance of strong maritime capabilities in a nation’s emergence as a major power. The ships, INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate; INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large); and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft, were inducted into the Indian Navy. The Prime Minister described the event as an important milestone in the journey towards ‘an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a secure India and a developed India.’ Modi highlighted that a nation’s maritime strength is crucial to its economic and strategic influence, as the world’s trade moves through sea routes.
He added that India is preparing itself for this by developing its maritime capabilities. The Prime Minister also asserted that India does not wish to remain merely a buyer in the defence sector, but seeks to become a producer and a manufacturer. He emphasized that nations that manufacture become decisive players on the global stage.
Modi noted that more than 40 indigenously built warships and submarines have been inducted into the Indian Navy over the past few years, showcasing the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. The government views the maritime sector as a major engine of employment and economic growth for a developed India. The Prime Minister emphasized that time has come for India to enter the next phase of maritime development, and the government has adopted a new vision for the shipbuilding sector.
Several policy reforms have been introduced in recent years to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. A ₹70,000 crore incentive package announced for the shipping sector is seen as an investment in India’s maritime future and industrial expansion. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the tri-commissioning of the ships as a ‘defining moment in India’s maritime capability development.’ Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, pointed out that the three projects have set many new records, showcasing India’s warship-building capability in modern technology, self-reliance, and self-confidence.
