Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted three new indigenously built naval vessels into the Indian Navy during his visit to Kolkata on Sunday, while remarking that India is no longer just a buyer but also a manufacturer and seller of modern weapons to many countries.
Addressing the formal commissioning of the three warships at a ceremony at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port here, the PM said, “Today, India is no longer just a buyer; it is manufacturing and selling modern weapons to many countries and also building indigenous strength.”
The three platforms inducted into the Indian Navy on Sunday are INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate; INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large); and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.
Highlighting the importance of the warships, the PM said, “These were made in India and designed in India. The skill and hard work of Indian engineers lie behind them. This is the greatest strength of New India. Today, India no longer wants to remain merely a buyer in the defence sector.”
He added, “Our military strength cannot become a market for the world. The identity of our strength does not lie in becoming a global market, but in our self-reliance. India wants to become a producer. The day we become a producer, we will also become a decision-maker.”
As per experts, the commissioning of these frontline vessels is expected to enhance India’s maritime combat capabilities, underwater and surface warfare readiness, hydrographic surveys, and maritime domain awareness.
‘Bengal key for waterways connectivity’
The PM said that the induction of the three ships would also increase employment in eastern India.
Praising the state, Modi said: “Bengal has given momentum to India’s growth. It is from Bengal that the campaign for a self-reliant, secure India is being carried forward. To become strong in defense, one must also be powerful at sea.”
Talking about the recent regime change in the state, Modi said, “Bengal is an important land for connectivity by waterways. The course of the Hooghly River has witnessed history changing. It has witnessed a new chapter and a new journey of development. Significantly, this port is named after Bengal’s illustrious son, Syama Prasad Mookerjee.”
Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also present at the event, apart from officials from the state administration, and senior officers of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.
The vessels were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Kolkata-based Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. These platforms have indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, with extensive participation by the Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs, in their construction, an official told PTI. While the warships were ready in March, only the formal handover to the Navy remained pending till now.
– WITH PTI INPUTS