Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Navy successfully evolved as a robust guardian of the nation’s financial stability during the West Asia crisis, safely safeguarding 19 cargo vessels carrying goods worth over ₹9,000 crore. Singh made the remarks in his address during the official commissioning ceremony of the indigenously-built advanced stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
“Recent events have once again proven how essential a capable and responsive Navy is for any nation. After the conflict began in West Asia, the Indian Navy, through ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying essential cargo worth more than ₹9,000 crore. In other words, our Navy has emerged not only as a fighting force but also as a strong protector of India’s economic interests,” the Defence Minister said.
The Navy inducted the INS Mahendragiri into its Eastern Fleet, which Singh described as a reflection of India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding, underpinned by exceptional design capabilities, manufacturing excellence, the rapid growth of the naval-industrial ecosystem, and its ability to deliver state-of-the-art platforms in a timely manner. He also stated the Navy has emerged as most trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific.
‘trusted partner’
“Our Navy has repeatedly proven that we are truly the most trusted partner in this entire Indo-Pacific region. In today’s times, the eyes of the entire world are on the Indo-Pacific region, and India’s role in this region is very significant… We desire security and development for everyone in this region. India has emerged as a ‘net security provider’ and a trusted partner across the entire Indo-Pacific region,” the Minister stated.
INS Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate to be inducted into the Indian Navy in a span of just 1.5 years. The first ship of the series, ‘INS Nilgiri’, was commissioned in January 2025, followed by ‘INS Udaygiri’ and ‘INS Himgiri’ in August, ‘INS Taragiri’ in April this year and ‘INS Dunagiri’ last month.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, the ship is capable of undertaking the full spectrum of maritime operations, including fleet air defence, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, surveillance and humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR).
Mahendragiri can be equipped with the BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, one of the world’s fastest and most lethal cruise missiles. It also features a combination of multifunction radar and Surface-to-Air Missiles capable of detecting and neutralising aerial threats at extended ranges. Its arsenal also includes an indigenous rocket launcher, torpedo launchers, an Integrated Anti-Submarine Defence System, an Electronic Warfare suite and a Close-In Weapon System. “All these capabilities make the warship formidable and resilient,” said Singh, exuding confidence that the “blue-water ship” will safeguard India’s maritime interests not just near the coast but far out in the deep oceans as well.
Published on July 11, 2026
