INS Tushil (F70), the newest addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet as a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was officially commissioned at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, in a ceremony that underscored the enduring partnership between India and Russia. The event was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who emphasized the significance of this commissioning as a reflection of India’s expanding maritime capabilities.
During his speech, Minister Singh hailed the occasion as a proud milestone in the historical camaraderie between the two nations. He noted that the relationship is founded on shared values, mutual trust, and a special strategic partnership that continues to evolve. The Defence Minister also acknowledged Russia’s pivotal role in supporting India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, underscoring the collaborative spirit that fuels both Indian and Russian industries.
Singh highlighted the increasing “Made in India” content in several naval vessels, including INS Tushil, as a testament to joint efforts in achieving technological advancements. He underscored this ship as a symbol of the fruitful collaboration between Indian and Russian industries, showcasing India’s path towards technological excellence through international cooperation.
The Defence Minister further emphasized the strong ties that exist between the Indian and Russian navies, noting that technical and operational partnerships continue to reach new heights. He attributed this positive trajectory to the proactive engagement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which further strengthens their bilateral relations.
Mr. Singh reiterated the Indian Navy’s dedication to maintaining peace and security within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He pointed out the Navy’s successful operations against piracy, drug smuggling, and non-state actors in various maritime hotspots. From the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Aden and beyond, the Indian Navy has established itself as a crucial security provider, ensuring that maritime trade routes remain safe and secure.
Additionally, the Defence Minister stated that the Indian Navy is always prepared to offer rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to allies in the region, highlighting its role as a first responder in times of crisis.
Reinforcing his commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), Singh characterized this vision as the cornerstone of India’s maritime policy aimed at fostering peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the IOR. He described SAGAR as a reflection of India’s dedication to collective security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development, a commitment that has always been supported by Russia.
In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi expressed his congratulations to all parties involved in the INS Tushil project. He especially recognized the efforts of the shipyard workers and the contributions of both Russian and Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers, commending their work on the integration of Indian systems with Russian technology, ultimately leading to significant quality upgrades within the project.
