India’s triple naval launch shows ‘self-reliance’: Modi
AFP | Mumbai
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday the launch of two Indian-made warships and a submarine was key to its “quest towards self-reliance” as New Delhi bolsters defence against regional rivals. “India is now becoming a major maritime power oftheworld,” Modi, wearing a naval baseball cap, said in a speech at the triple commissioning ceremony in Mumbai for a frigate, a guided missile destroyer and a submarine. “The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence, and augment our quest towards self-reliance,” he added.
India has rushed to rapidly expand its naval fleet, pouring efforts into building vessels within the country, with plans to expand the number of warships and submarines from around 150 to 170 over the next decade.
“We’re taking a big step towards getting the navy ready for this century,” Modi said.
In 2024, India spent an all-time high of some $15 billion on domestic defence manufacturing, according to the defence ministry, an increase of some 17 percent on the previous year.
New Delhi has also signed major arms purchasing deals -- and approved India-based defence p ro d u c t i o n ve n t u re s - - w i t h countries including the United States, Israel and Spain.
India is also in talks with Paris for multibillion-dollar deals to purchase French-made Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines. Vineet Sharma, commander of the diesel-powered submarine INS Vagsheer, said the triple commission “speaks volumes” about the capability both of India’s ship-building capabilities and its navy’s “ability to operate” the vessels.
“India is a maritime nation,” Sharma added. “You require a strong navy, which can ensure that the maritime interests are always secured.”
Sandeep Shorey, captain of the newly commissioned destroyer INS Surat -- a 164-metre (538- feet) long vessel which the navy boasts as its “first AI-enabled warship” -- said the show of force was a message about showing India’s power.
“If you want to be seen on the world stage... there is no other option but to show your presence at sea.”
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