Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government’s focus on bolstering national security and achieving self-reliance in the defence sector during a speech on Wednesday. He highlighted the ongoing modernization of India’s armed forces and the implementation of key reforms expected by the end of 2025.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of three advanced warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—Singh stressed the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in India’s defense strategy.
“Strengthening India’s security framework and achieving self-reliance in defense have always been priorities for the Prime Minister. The commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer is not just a milestone for the Indian Navy, but also a demonstration of India’s growing power in the Indian Ocean Region under his leadership,” Singh stated.
The Defence Minister further underscored the historical and contemporary significance of the IOR, calling it increasingly vital for global trade, economic stability, and geopolitics.
“The IOR has always been important for us, but in today’s fast-changing world, it holds even more strategic value. The Atlantic Ocean’s importance is now being overtaken by the Indian Ocean. A large part of global trade flows through this region. Moreover, the IOR is increasingly becoming a focal point for international power rivalries,” Singh said.
He also pointed out the ongoing threats in the region, including illegal activities such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism.
Singh reflected on India’s historical engagement with the IOR, citing trade relations that date back over 2,000 years, including with Rome and Southeast Asia. Today, he noted, 95% of India’s trade is tied to the region.
“Given this historical connection and the economic importance of the IOR, a strong Indian Navy presence in this region is our top priority. The commissioning of these advanced ships marks a crucial step toward solidifying our maritime strength,” he added.
Highlighting India’s progress in defense self-reliance, Singh noted that more than 75% of the content of the INS Surat and INS Nilgiri has been developed indigenously. He further stated, “We are rapidly advancing our modernization efforts. On one hand, we are focusing on large platforms produced domestically, while also emphasizing low-cost, high-impact systems that enhance the potency of our armed forces in a short timeframe.”
Singh revealed that 2025 has been declared the “Year of Reforms” by the Ministry of Defence, with an aim to implement significant changes in India’s defense sector. “We are committed to introducing reforms across the Ministry of Defence and the three armed forces. By the end of the year, I am confident we will see these reforms take India’s defense capabilities to new heights,” he said.
About the Warships
- INS Surat: The fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, INS Surat is one of the largest and most advanced destroyers in the world. With 75% indigenous content, it boasts state-of-the-art weapon-sensor systems and advanced network-centric capabilities.
- INS Nilgiri: The first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, INS Nilgiri is designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and features advanced capabilities for survivability, stealth, and seakeeping, representing the next generation of indigenous frigates.
- INS Vaghsheer: The sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, INS Vaghsheer signifies India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and was built in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.
With the commissioning of these ships, India continues to strengthen its defense capabilities and asserts its growing maritime influence in the Indian Ocean Region.