Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three frontline naval platforms—INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray—into the Indian Navy in Kolkata on 21 June 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime modernisation and indigenous defence manufacturing journey.
The commissioning ceremony brought together an advanced stealth frigate, a state-of-the-art survey vessel and an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, significantly enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities, maritime domain awareness and ability to address emerging security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the occasion as an important step towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, a secure India and a developed India. He emphasised that maritime strength is directly linked to a nation’s economic prosperity, strategic influence and security.
“The country whose maritime strength is robust, its economic and strategic influence will be equally robust. India is preparing itself for this reality,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Modi stated that the journey from the commissioning of INS Vikrant to the induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray reflects India’s increasing capability in indigenous design, manufacturing and innovation.
He noted that all three vessels were designed and built in India and represent the expertise of Indian engineers, scientists, shipbuilders and industry partners. More than 200 MSMEs contributed to the construction of the platforms, generating employment and strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem.
The Prime Minister also underscored the government’s focus on shipbuilding, ship repair and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities as part of a larger national mission. He highlighted recent policy initiatives and investments aimed at transforming India into a major maritime and shipbuilding hub.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh described the tri-commissioning as a defining moment in India’s maritime capability development. He stated that the platforms are a testament to India’s robust defence manufacturing ecosystem and unwavering commitment towards self-reliance in defence.
INS Dunagiri
INS Dunagiri is the fifth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A and the second of its class built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). Equipped with advanced surface-to-surface missiles, modern air defence systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and an integrated platform management system, the frigate significantly strengthens the Navy’s blue-water combat capabilities.
The vessel is also capable of operating multiple types of helicopters, extending its reach and operational flexibility across vast maritime areas.
INS Sanshodhak
INS Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) class ship, is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic systems designed to support hydrographic surveys, coastal mapping and maritime domain awareness.
The vessel will contribute to India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and support the country’s Blue Economy initiatives through precise hydrographic data collection. It also features dual-role capability and can be configured as a hospital ship during humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
INS Agray
INS Agray, the fifth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), enhances the Navy’s ability to detect and neutralise underwater threats in coastal and littoral waters.
The vessel is equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets and a modern combat management system. Powered by waterjet propulsion, it offers superior manoeuvrability and rapid response capability in shallow-water environments.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan described the tri-commissioning as another milestone in India’s naval shipbuilding journey, highlighting the rapid progress being made in indigenous warship construction, technological innovation and self-reliance.
With an indigenous content exceeding 75 percent, the commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray reinforces India’s commitment to building a modern, networked and mission-ready naval force capable of safeguarding national interests and maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
The three platforms are expected to play a vital role in maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, hydrographic operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, further strengthening India’s position as a leading maritime power in the region.
