In a first, three frontline platforms — INS Nilgiri, INS Vaghsheer and INS Surat — were commissioned on the same day in the Indian Navy on Wednesday (January 15, 2025). Hailing the first tri-commissioning as a significant leap towards towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the three vessels to the nation. INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of Project 17A frigates, INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and the final boat of Project 75 Kalvari class submarines, and INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of Project 15B destroyers. INS Niligiri, Vaghsheer and Surat commissioned in the Indian Navy | Video Credit: The Hindu “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had given a new vision to the Navy. Today, this is a significant step towards empowering the Indian Navy of the 21st century. It is a big day for the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (indgenisation) vision. It is a massive step for strengthening our Navy. This is the first time that three frontline platforms are being commissioned on the same day. Make in India campaign connects our needs to our future vision. We are becoming a major maritime power by taking inspiration from our rich naval history. INS Nilgiri is dedicated to the naval empire of the Cholas. INS Surat is dedicated to India’s ancient connection to West Asia through Gujarat. I was there was the commissioning of the first Kalvari submarine. I am blessed to commission the sixth one – INS Vaghsheer,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while speaking at the Naval dockyard on Wednesday morning. Outlining India’s vision as a global power, PM Modi said, “India’s position is not expansionist, but development-oriented. Today’s India is emerging as a major maritime power in the world. Now, we are recognised as a reliable and responsible partner globally, especially in the Global South. We believe in an open, secure, inclusive Indian Ocean region. That is why we went ahead with the vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All In the Region.” He said, the country’s goal was to protect traditional, territorial waters, adding that India had emerged as the First Responder across the entire Indian Ocean Region, saving thousands of lives. “The sea routes should be safe from illegal drug trade, weapons’ trade, terror activities, human trafficking. We are global partners in safety.”