The city of Surat marked a momentous occasion today as INS Surat, the Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyer, made its inaugural arrival at Hazira Port. This first visit by the warship named after the city was celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride by residents and naval personnel alike.
A key asset in the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B), INS Surat is India’s first artificial intelligence-enabled warship. Delivered in December 2024 after an impressive 31-month construction period and swift sea trials, the vessel represents a significant leap forward in naval technology and shipbuilding efficiency.
The arrival was marked by a ceremonial welcome at Hazira Port, a major multi-cargo hub in South Gujarat operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd. The event drew large crowds, particularly after the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) advocated for public access to the vessel, allowing citizens a rare glimpse into one of India’s most advanced naval platforms.
INS Surat’s crest proudly features the historic Hazira lighthouse, built in 1836, paying homage to the city’s longstanding maritime heritage and strategic coastal location near the Gulf of Khambhat. This symbolic link reinforces the vessel’s deep-rooted connection to Surat, reflecting both tradition and modern naval excellence.
The visit of INS Surat serves not only as a showcase of India’s naval advancements but also as a celebration of the city’s enduring relationship with the sea — a connection now proudly carried across oceans by its namesake destroyer.
