PM Modi Commissions Three Navy Ships in Kolkata, Calls for Self-Reliant India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval ships - INS Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate, INS Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large) and INS Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata and said India has begun to move forward with a new vision for the shipbuilding sector.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the strength of a nation's military can be measured by its ability to become self-reliant and India seeks to become a producer and a manufacturer.

He said nations that are manufacturers and largely self-dependent become decisive players on the global stage.

The Prime Minister said that West Bengal is poised to become a major hub for India's blue economy and maritime manufacturing in the years ahead.

He also said that a country with strong maritime strength will have robust economic and strategic influence and India is preparing itself for this.

The three inductions are expected to significantly bolster the nation's operational capabilities, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen the security of our coastal waters against geopolitical threats.

All three ships were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed in Kolkata by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), with extensive participation by Indian industry, including more than 200 MSMEs.

With an indigenous content of over 75 percent, these ships are also a testament to India's commitment to Aatmanirbharta.

The Prime Minister noted that the occasion coincides with the International Day of Yoga being celebrated across the world and expressed happiness at having the opportunity to visit the historic land of Bengal, which has played a pivotal role in shaping India's intellectual, cultural and national renaissance and has connected India with the world through maritime routes for centuries.

He pointed out that June 21 is also observed globally as World Hydrography Day and described it as a remarkable coincidence that India's most advanced hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sanshodhak, is commissioned on the same day.

Congratulating the Indian Navy, scientists, engineers, workers and all citizens of the country, PM Modi said the achievement reflected India's growing technological and maritime capabilities.

"No nation can emerge as a major power without strong maritime capabilities. Development, security and prosperity are closely linked to the oceans. Most of the world's trade moves through sea routes, while vast global data networks operate beneath the oceans," PM Modi stated while emphasizing the importance of maritime strength in the modern world.

(With inputs from ANI)