THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

VISAKHAPATNAM, APRIL 3, 2026

In a significant boost to India’s maritime strength and indigenous defence capabilities, the latest stealth frigate INS Taragiri was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on Friday, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The fourth warship under the advanced Project 17A class, INS Taragiri marks a new benchmark in modern naval engineering, combining cutting-edge stealth technology, indigenous design expertise, and robust multi-role combat capability.

Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the 6,670-tonne frigate reflects India’s growing mastery in complex warship construction. With more than 75 percent indigenous content and contributions from over 200 MSMEs, the vessel stands as a powerful example of the country’s push towards self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Equipped with sophisticated radar, sonar, and supersonic missile systems including the formidable BrahMos, the ship is capable of executing high-intensity combat operations, maritime surveillance, anti-piracy missions, coastal security, and humanitarian assistance.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, Rajnath Singh described INS Taragiri as far more than a warship, calling it a symbol of India’s technological confidence and strategic preparedness in a rapidly evolving global security environment. Emphasising the importance of maritime strength for a nation with over 11,000 kilometres of coastline and heavy dependence on sea-based trade routes, he noted that nearly 95 percent of India’s trade moves through maritime channels, making naval capability crucial for safeguarding economic interests and energy security.

The Defence Minister highlighted the Indian Navy’s constant operational presence across the Indian Ocean Region, ensuring secure sea lanes and protecting commercial shipping and oil tankers amid global uncertainties. He stressed that maritime security today extends beyond conventional boundaries, encompassing protection of critical sea lanes, chokepoints, and undersea digital infrastructure that carry the majority of global internet traffic. According to him, the induction of advanced vessels like INS Taragiri reinforces regional stability and underscores India’s role as a responsible maritime power committed to peace and prosperity.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi recalled the legacy of the earlier Leander-class frigate bearing the same name, commissioned in 1980, which played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. He noted that the commissioning of the new INS Taragiri reflects the Navy’s determination to remain a combat-ready, future-focused force capable of addressing emerging maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Featuring a Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion system and an advanced Integrated Platform Management System, the stealth frigate offers enhanced endurance, high-speed mobility, and operational flexibility. Its significantly reduced radar cross-section enables superior survivability in contested waters, giving the Indian Navy a decisive tactical advantage.

The ceremony witnessed the traditional breaking of the Commissioning Pennant and the hoisting of the National Flag onboard, attended by senior military leadership including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan and senior naval commanders. As INS Taragiri joins the Eastern Fleet, the vessel sends a strong geopolitical message about India’s emergence as a premier builder of sophisticated warships and its commitment to strengthening maritime security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

The commissioning of INS Taragiri reflects a decisive step in India’s defence modernisation journey, demonstrating that the nation is increasingly capable of designing, developing, and deploying world-class naval platforms indigenously. With this addition to its fleet, India reinforces its resolve to protect national interests, secure global trade routes, and contribute meaningfully to regional stability in an era of evolving geopolitical dynamics.