KOLKATA/NEW DELHI, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored India’s growing maritime strength and indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, stating that the country aspires to be a “Nirmata” (creator) and will emerge as a “Nirnayak” (decisive force) in global maritime affairs.
Speaking in Kolkata during the commissioning ceremony of three indigenously designed and built naval vessels—INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray—the Prime Minister said India is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities through domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
“India aspires to be a Nirmata, and as a creator, we will also become a Nirnayak. In recent years, more than 40 Made-in-India warships and submarines have joined the Navy, and currently 45 large naval platforms are under construction. This is not just a number; it is a testament to India’s industrial capacity and a sign of India’s future,” PM Modi said.
The three newly commissioned vessels represent key operational capabilities for the Indian Navy. INS Dunagiri is an advanced stealth frigate, INS Sanshodhak is a large hydrographic survey vessel, and INS Agray is an anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft. All three were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and constructed at GRSE facilities.
The Prime Minister noted that the maritime sector is far more than a strategic asset and should be viewed as an economic growth engine capable of generating millions of jobs.
“India’s maritime sector has the potential to create millions of new jobs in the coming years. A modern ship requires steel, electronics, machinery, and thousands of components supplied by numerous industries. Behind every ship are thousands of workers and businesses contributing to the nation’s growth,” he said.
Highlighting the role of small industries, Modi said more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the construction of the three vessels commissioned on Sunday.
He added that recent policy reforms and the government’s ₹70,000-crore incentive package for the shipping sector are aimed at boosting domestic shipbuilding, ship repair, ship recycling, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Maritime Strength Essential for National Power
The Prime Minister emphasized that no nation can become a major global power without strong maritime capabilities.
“The world is witness to the fact that development, security and prosperity are linked to the sea. Most of the world’s trade travels by sea, and vast networks of global data infrastructure pass beneath the oceans. Future access to critical minerals, deep-sea resources, and new energy sources will also depend on maritime capabilities,” he said.
Modi noted that India has traditionally viewed the oceans as a medium of cooperation and connectivity but understands that military strength is essential for safeguarding peace.
“Security is necessary for prosperity, and self-reliance is needed for building the future,” he said, describing the induction of the three vessels as another milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a major maritime power.
The Prime Minister also pointed out the significance of commissioning INS Sanshodhak on June 21, which is observed globally as World Hydrography Day, calling it a fitting occasion to induct India’s most advanced hydrographic survey ship.
Referring to the commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in recent years, Modi said the journey from INS Vikrant to the latest naval additions reflects India’s expanding self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime security.
Indian Oil Tankers Safely Transit Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, in a significant development amid tensions in West Asia, three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are currently en route to India carrying more than 860,000 metric tonnes of crude oil cargo.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the vessels—Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald—completed their passage through the strategic waterway with a combined crew of 94 Indian seafarers.
“Safe passage secured. Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is working on the highest priority to secure India’s maritime interests. Our ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Bharat’s seafarers and energy lifelines,” Sonowal said.
According to the Shipping Ministry:
- Desh Vaibhav is scheduled to arrive at Vadinar on June 24 carrying 286,572 metric tonnes of crude oil with 37 Indian crew members.
- Desh Vibhor is expected to reach Sikka on June 24 with 288,893 metric tonnes of cargo and 27 Indian crew members.
- Sanmar Herald is scheduled to arrive at Paradip on July 1 carrying 285,400 metric tonnes of crude oil with 30 Indian crew members on board.
The successful transit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions following Iran’s announcement of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Iranian authorities cited alleged violations of ceasefire commitments and continuing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon as reasons for the move.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of global oil supplies pass, making its security a matter of international concern.
The commissioning of three indigenous naval platforms alongside the safe passage of Indian energy shipments underscores New Delhi’s dual focus on strengthening maritime security and safeguarding national economic interests through enhanced naval and shipping capabilities.
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