INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri Commissioned: A New Era for Indian Naval Power

The Indian Navy has marked a historic day with the commissioning of two state-of-the-art stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at a grand ceremony in Visakhapatnam on 26 August 2025. The event was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the achievement as a proud milestone in the journey of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Built under Project 17A, the frigates symbolize India’s growing ability to design and construct complex warships at home. INS Udaygiri was constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. This marks the first time two major indigenous warships of such scale have been inducted into service simultaneously.

Equipped with next-generation weapons, advanced stealth features, and modern sensors, both frigates are designed to carry out multiple missions—from safeguarding sea lanes to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Officials emphasized that their addition would significantly enhance the Navy’s operational reach in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

Speaking on the occasion, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said that the induction reflects India’s strength to safeguard its interests without aggression, adding that true security lies in self-reliance. He also highlighted the crucial role of the defense industry in shaping India as a global maritime power.

The Navy is set to receive four more ships under Project 17A by mid-2026, further boosting its modern surface fleet. With these advancements, India continues to showcase its determination to build a robust, self-sufficient defense ecosystem that stands ready to meet evolving security challenges.