Defence News: Rajnath Singh Inducts 75% Indigenous INS Mahendragiri into Indian Navy, Maritime Strength Gets Major Boost

India’s maritime defence capabilities received a significant boost as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inducted the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam. The advanced warship is the sixth vessel under the prestigious Project 17A programme and marks another milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Built with nearly 75 percent indigenous content, INS Mahendragiri showcases India’s growing expertise in advanced naval shipbuilding and defence technology. The induction strengthens the Navy’s operational capabilities while reinforcing the country’s long-term vision of becoming a global hub for maritime security and naval innovation. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rajnath Singh described INS Mahendragiri as “as invincible as the Mahendragiri mountain,” highlighting its strategic importance for safeguarding India’s maritime interests. He emphasized that indigenous warship construction not only enhances national security but also creates employment opportunities, promotes technological innovation, supports MSMEs and startups, and accelerates economic growth. The Defence Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding domestic defence production and achieving global leadership in shipbuilding. He also underlined the objectives of the Maritime India Vision 2030, which focuses on modernising ports, expanding inland waterways, strengthening logistics infrastructure, and developing a world-class maritime ecosystem. The induction of INS Mahendragiri reflects India’s continued investment in advanced naval platforms capable of meeting evolving security challenges across the Indian Ocean Region. As the country accelerates indigenous defence production, the latest addition to the Indian Navy represents another major step toward strengthening maritime preparedness, strategic deterrence, and long-term defence self-sufficiency.

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