In a major boost to India’s maritime strength, the Indian Navy has commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking another milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliant defence manufacturing.
A Key Addition Under Project 17A
INS Taragiri has been built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and is the fourth warship under the Project 17A stealth frigate programme.
Key highlights:
- Displacement: 6,670 tonnes
- Equipped with advanced stealth features
- Fitted with modern weapon systems
- Over 75% indigenous content
The induction of Taragiri significantly strengthens India’s indigenous naval capabilities.
Importance of Maritime Strength
Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh emphasized that:
- Maritime power is crucial for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047
- India has a coastline of over 11,000 km, surrounded by seas on three sides
- Nearly 95% of India’s trade is conducted via maritime routes
- Energy security is heavily dependent on sea-based supply chains
Role of the Indian Navy
The Defence Minister highlighted the Navy’s critical contributions:
- Protecting commercial vessels and oil tankers during global tensions
- Maintaining a continuous presence in strategic regions such as:
- Indian Ocean
- Persian Gulf
- Malacca Strait
- Leading evacuation missions and humanitarian assistance operations
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Taragiri marks a significant step in strengthening India’s naval power and defence self-reliance. As India continues to expand its maritime capabilities, such advancements will play a vital role in ensuring security, trade stability, and strategic dominance in the region.