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.

In a heartfelt display of appreciation, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar recently visited the Western Naval Command to celebrate Dockyard Day, where he took the opportunity to express his deep gratitude towards the Indian Navy. The visit allowed him a firsthand look at naval operations, particularly the impressive INS Mormugao and INS Vagir, underscoring the vital role played by the Navy in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders.

Sharing his experience on social media platform X, Tendulkar reflected on the inspiring nature of the visit, highlighting the dedication and discipline exhibited by naval personnel. He noted that their unwavering commitment to their duties and the sacrifices they make resonate deeply with millions of people across India. In his post, he emphasized the honor he felt in witnessing the operations and the commitment of those who serve in the Navy.

“Honoured to visit the Western Naval Command on Dockyard Day and experience the remarkable INS Mormugao and INS Vagir,” Tendulkar wrote. He found the experience both enlightening and motivating, providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of naval warfare and operations. The cricketer acknowledged that the courage displayed by the Navy personnel serves as an inspiration to all citizens, inspiring a profound sense of respect and admiration.

Concluding his message, Tendulkar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Navy for their relentless service to the nation, stating, “I will always cherish this day. Jai Hind!” His words not only conveyed appreciation but also served to remind the public of the sacrifices made by the armed forces to ensure the security and integrity of the country. As an honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, Tendulkar’s visit and endorsements resonate with his commitment to honoring the services that protect the nation.

In a recent visit to the Western Naval Command headquarters, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar expressed his gratitude for the service and dedication of the Indian Navy. The visit coincided with Dockyard Day, and Tendulkar had the unique opportunity to tour two notable vessels: the INS Mormugao, a stealth-guided missile destroyer, and INS Vagir, an attack submarine.

Tendulkar took to social media to share his experiences, highlighting the educational and inspiring nature of the visit. He remarked on the courage and commitment displayed by naval personnel in their efforts to safeguard India’s maritime frontiers. In his post, he stated, “Honoured to visit the Western Naval Command on Dockyard Day and experience the remarkable INS Mormugao and INS Vagir. This visit was both inspiring and educational, offering a fascinating glimpse into naval operations and the unwavering dedication of our brave Indian Navy personnel.”

The former cricketer was given a warm reception by navy officers upon his arrival, and he was honored with a “BRAHMOS” badge during the visit. Previously, Tendulkar had expressed similar sentiments on Navy Day, acknowledging the sacrifices and services of the Indian Navy. “My heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Navy for your service to the nation. I will always cherish this day. Jai Hind,” he had written.

Notably, Tendulkar holds a unique position among athletes, as he is one of the few cricketers to have been granted an honorary rank in the armed forces. He became a group captain in the Indian Air Force in 2010, a remarkable achievement as the first individual without a background in aviation to receive this honor.

As a celebrated figure in the cricketing world, Sachin Tendulkar’s illustrious career boasts an array of records, including being the only batsman to score 100 international centuries and the all-time leading run-scorer in international cricket. Over his career, which spanned from his debut in 1989 until his retirement in 2013, he played 463 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 200 Test matches, and one T20 International, amassing a staggering 34,357 runs across all formats. His contributions to cricket have made him a national icon, and his recent engagement with the Indian Navy further cements his deep appreciation for the country’s defense forces.

The Indian Navy’s latest addition, the guided missile frigate INS Tushil, officially joined the fleet during a commissioning ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event was attended by prominent figures including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and various senior military officials from India.

INS Tushil is anticipated to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy within the strategically crucial Indian Ocean region, especially against the backdrop of growing naval activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy in recent years. This advanced warship is part of a larger agreement that New Delhi established with Moscow in 2016, which involves a deal worth over USD 2.5 billion for the procurement of four stealth frigates. Under the terms of the agreement, two of the frigates are to be constructed in Russia, while the remaining two are slated for manufacture in India.

During his address at the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Singh emphasized that INS Tushil represents a crucial step in reinforcing India’s maritime prowess and marks a significant milestone in the historically close relationship between India and Russia. “The ship serves as a testament to the collaborative strengths of Indian and Russian industries and embodies India’s journey towards achieving technological excellence through joint efforts,” he stated. Singh further articulated that both nations are poised to embark on a “new era” of cooperation across a range of advanced domains, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and counter-terrorism initiatives.

The construction of INS Tushil was rigorously supervised by a dedicated Indian team known as the ‘Warship Overseeing Team’, who were stationed in Kaliningrad throughout the shipbuilding process. Weighing 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, the frigate boasts a formidable combination of Russian and Indian technologies along with best practices in naval architecture. Officials noted that the new design of the ship includes enhanced stealth features and superior stability characteristics.

The indigenous component of INS Tushil has been bolstered to an impressive 26 percent, thanks to the collaboration of Indian naval experts and Severnoye Design Bureau, along with contributions from major Indian defense firms such as BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, and Johnson Controls India.

INS Tushil is categorized as an upgraded Krivak III class frigate under Project 1135.6, representing a culmination of the dedicated efforts of numerous shipyard workers and a myriad of Original Equipment Manufacturers from both Russia and India.

In a significant development underscoring India’s maritime capabilities and its robust ties with Russia, the Indian Navy’s multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, was officially commissioned at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad. The event took place with the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who expressed pride in the modernization of the Indian naval fleet during his two-day visit to Russia.

In a tweet following the commissioning ceremony, Singh shared his enthusiasm for witnessing the induction of INS Tushil into the Indian Navy, which now stands as one of the most advanced frigates in the global arena. This warship is set to augment the operational prowess of the Indian Navy, particularly in the Indian Ocean, an area currently marked by increased naval activities from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.

The commissioning of INS Tushil is part of a broader initiative stemming from a substantial $2.5 billion agreement between India and Russia signed in 2016 for the construction of four stealth frigates. With meticulous oversight, an Indian team stationed at Kaliningrad ensured that the construction adhered to specifications that leverage both Russian and Indian naval technologies.

Weighing in at 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, INS Tushil features advanced stealth capabilities and improved stability, making it a formidable asset for maritime operations. The ship is designed to execute a variety of missions, enhancing the Indian Navy’s strategic reach and response in an increasingly complex security landscape in the region.

The addition of INS Tushil to the Indian Navy’s fleet not only reinforces bilateral defense cooperation between India and Russia but also sends a clear message about India’s intent to strengthen its maritime defenses in the face of evolving regional threats. As a testament to India’s commitment to bolstering its naval strength, the commissioning of this frigate marks a new chapter in the nation’s defense capabilities.

The Indian Navy has announced an opportunity for aspiring candidates through the Plus Two (BTech) Cadet Entry Scheme, with applications currently open for 36 vacancies in the Executive and Technical Branch. This initiative is aimed at unmarried men and women who wish to serve as Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Navy.

Applications can be submitted online from December 6 to December 20, 2024. Candidates will be selected based on their performance in the JEE Main 2024 (BE/B.Tech) Common Rank List. To be eligible, applicants must be born between January 2, 2006, and July 1, 2008.

In terms of educational qualifications, candidates need to have completed Plus Two or an equivalent examination, achieving a minimum of 70% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Additionally, they must have obtained at least 50% marks in English during their Class 10 or Plus Two education.

Those who are selected will enter the BTech program at the Ezhimala Naval Academy. Following the successful completion of the course, participants will be appointed as Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Indian Navy, with the program set to commence in July 2025.

For more detailed information and to initiate the application process, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the official website at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in. This scheme provides a significant pathway for young individuals driven by a desire to embark on a fulfilling career with the Indian Navy.