Visakhapatnam, July 11: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, the Indian Navy’s sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A, will significantly strengthen India’s eastern seaboard, expand its blue-water capabilities and reinforce the country’s strategic presence across the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Navy formally commissioned the advanced warship during a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Rajnath Singh said it was fitting that INS Mahendragiri was inducted in Visakhapatnam, home to the Eastern Naval Command and one of India’s most important maritime hubs.
He described Andhra Pradesh as a state with a proud legacy of valour that has also emerged as a major defence and aerospace manufacturing centre.
Highlighting the progress of Project 17A, the Defence Minister noted that INS Mahendragiri is the sixth stealth frigate in the series.
- INS Nilgiri was commissioned in January 2025.
- INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri entered service in August 2025.
- INS Taragiri was commissioned in April 2026.
- INS Dunagiri joined the fleet in June 2026.
- INS Mahendragiri now becomes the sixth vessel in the class.
Rajnath Singh said the induction of six frontline warships within just 18 months reflects India’s rapid progress in indigenous shipbuilding and defence manufacturing.
“There was a time when India depended on other countries for its defence requirements. Today, we are building world-class warships in our own shipyards with our own capabilities,” he said.
The Defence Minister highlighted that more than 75 per cent of INS Mahendragiri’s systems and components are indigenous, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defence production.
INS Mahendragiri is a 6,670-tonne stealth frigate capable of achieving speeds of up to 28 knots.
Describing it as a blue-water warship, Singh said it is designed not only for coastal defence but also for long-range deployment to safeguard India’s maritime interests.
The frigate is equipped with:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles
- Long-range surface-to-air missile systems
- Multifunction radar
- Indigenous rocket and torpedo launchers
- Integrated anti-submarine warfare systems
- Electronic warfare suite
- Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)
The Defence Minister said these capabilities make the warship a formidable addition to the Indian Navy.
Rajnath Singh said emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming modern warfare, but stressed that conventional military capabilities remain equally important.
“Future wars may be fought with Artificial Intelligence, but they will still be won through national resolve, trained soldiers and credible military power,” he said.
He added that India will continue investing in future technologies while simultaneously strengthening its conventional defence capabilities.
The Defence Minister said the Indo-Pacific region has become strategically important, with India playing a key role in ensuring regional peace and stability.
He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—as the guiding framework for India’s maritime policy.
According to Singh, India has emerged as a net security provider and a trusted partner across the Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting the Navy’s recent operations, Singh referred to Operation Urja Suraksha, launched during the West Asia conflict.
He said the Indian Navy safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth over ₹9,000 crore, demonstrating its role in safeguarding India’s economic and maritime interests.
Concluding his address, the Defence Minister said INS Mahendragiri will play a crucial role in strengthening India’s maritime security architecture and enhancing its operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.
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