The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its capabilities with the commissioning of the multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9. The event will be graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will be the chief guest, joined by high-ranking officials from both the Indian and Russian governments.
Rajnath Singh will embark on a three-day visit to Russia starting December 8, during which he will oversee the commissioning of INS Tushil. He will be accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi at the ceremony. The INS Tushil is part of an upgraded Krivak III class frigate series under Project 1135.6 and will mark the seventh ship in this lineage, joining the fleet of six existing vessels comprising both Talwar and Teg class ships built at prominent shipyards in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
Upon its induction, INS Tushil will bolster the Indian Navy’s ‘Sword Arm’ under the Western Naval Command and will be recognized among the most technologically advanced frigates globally, reinforcing India’s maritime capabilities.
In addition to the commissioning ceremony, a comprehensive agenda awaits Rajnath Singh during his visit. He will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&T) with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov in Moscow on December 10. This meeting aims to assess and enhance the multifaceted defence relations between the two countries, addressing aspects such as military collaboration and industrial cooperation while also discussing regional and global issues of common interest.
As part of his visit, Rajnath Singh will also pay tribute at ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow, honoring the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives in the Second World War. Furthermore, the Defence Minister is expected to engage with the Indian community in Russia, fostering ties beyond military cooperation.
