Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval ships at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, strengthening India's maritime security and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Commissioned Naval Ships:
INS Dunagiri
Advanced stealth frigate.
Enhances combat and surveillance capabilities.
Designed to operate with low radar visibility.
INS Sanshodhak
Large hydrographic survey vessel.
Helps in seabed mapping and navigation surveys.
Improves maritime domain awareness.
INS Agray
Anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.
Designed to detect and counter enemy submarines in coastal waters.
Strengthens coastal security.
Key Highlights:
Indigenous Development:
All three ships were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.
Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata.
More than 200 MSMEs contributed to their construction.
Indigenous content exceeds 75%.
Boost to Maritime Security:
Enhances India's operational naval capabilities.
Improves maritime surveillance and monitoring.
Strengthens protection of coastal waters and strategic interests.
PM Modi's Major Remarks:
Maritime Strength is Essential:
A strong maritime sector is necessary for development, security, and prosperity.
Most global trade moves through sea routes.
Future resources such as deep-sea minerals and energy will be linked to oceans.
Symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
The three ships reflect India's growing capability in indigenous design and manufacturing.
Showcase the talent of Indian engineers, industries, and workers.
India Wants to be a Defence Producer:
India aims to become a defence manufacturer rather than merely a buyer.
Self-reliance strengthens national security and global influence.
Growth of India's Naval Capability:
Over 40 indigenous warships and submarines inducted in recent years.
Around 45 major naval platforms are currently under construction.
Demonstrates India's expanding industrial and defence capabilities.
Maritime Sector as a Growth Engine:
Shipbuilding creates demand for steel, electronics, machinery, and thousands of components.
Generates employment across large industrial supply chains.
Contribution of over 200 MSMEs in these ships created significant economic activity.
Government's Maritime Vision:
₹70,000 Crore Incentive Package:
Announced to boost the shipping and shipbuilding sector.
Aims to expand domestic maritime manufacturing capabilities.
Sagarmala Programme:
Reduces logistics costs.
Promotes industrial growth.
Creates opportunities in coastal regions.
India's Defence Manufacturing Progress:
Year
Defence Production
2014
Around ₹40,000 crore
2026
Nearly ₹1.8 lakh crore
Significant rise due to policy reforms and focus on self-reliance.
Defence exports and domestic manufacturing have expanded considerably.
Importance of West Bengal:
Historically a major center of India's maritime trade.
The Hooghly River has played an important role in trade and connectivity.
West Bengal is expected to emerge as a key hub for:
Blue Economy
Maritime Manufacturing
Logistics
Coastal Development
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak marks a major step towards a stronger and self-reliant India. These ships enhance naval capabilities, promote indigenous defence manufacturing, generate employment, and reinforce India's ambition to become a leading maritime power.
Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes):
Commissioned By → PM Narendra Modi
Location → Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
Naval Ships → INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, INS Agray
Designed By → Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau
Built By → Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
Indigenous Content → Over 75%
MSMEs Involved → 200+
Related Programme → Sagarmala Programme
Maritime Incentive Package → ₹70,000 Crore
Key Objective → Maritime Security & Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Defence Production (2026) → Nearly ₹1.8 Lakh Crore
Key Fact → Three indigenously designed and built naval ships commissioned in Kolkata.
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - New Batch Starts on 24-06-2026 
