Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday highlighted the indispensable role of the Indian Navy in securing commercial shipping lanes and oil tankers against emerging maritime threats, noting that 95 per cent of the country’s trade, including energy supplies, is conducted through the sea.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the indigenously built stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, here, he said the Navy constantly maintains its presence in the Indian Ocean – be it in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Malacca.
He said the commissioning of INS Taragiri would increase the strength, values and commitment of the Navy.
As the fourth platform under Project 17A, Taragiri is a 6,670-ton warship built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, showcasing advanced design and engineering excellence. It is equipped with BrahMos missiles, among other missiles.
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The warship features a sleeker hull with a significantly reduced radar cross-section, enabling stealth operations and enhanced survivability in complex maritime environments.
In his speech, Singh praised the Navy for being at the forefront during crises.
“Whenever there is a crisis, be it an evacuation or providing humanitarian assistance, our Navy is always at the forefront. I feel our Navy is a symbol of India’s values and commitment. I believe commissioning INS Taragiri will increase the strength, values and commitment of our Navy,” he said.
According to the Defense Minister, having a strong and capable navy is not an option for the country, but a necessity.
“There are many sensitive points in the sea where our naval forces are constantly present to ensure smooth supply of goods. Whenever there is a situation of tension there, the Indian Navy ensures the security of our merchant ships and oil tankers,” he said.
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He added that the Indian Navy has proven that it is not only capable of protecting the country’s interests but can also take every step to ensure the safety of its citizens and trade routes around the world if necessary.
This capability makes India a responsible maritime power, Singh said.
Citing history, he said that without strengthening sea power, no country can be considered strong in the right sense and hence, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about ‘Vixit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047, the foundation of sea power becomes very important.
Regarding the locally built Taragiri, he described the commissioning of the vessel as a “major achievement”.
He said that the ship is capable of crossing at high speed and can remain deployed at sea for long periods. It is equipped with systems designed to monitor enemy movements, ensure its security, and respond immediately if necessary.
It features modern radar, sonar and missile systems, such as BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, adding to its operational prowess, Singh said.
“From high-intensity combat to maritime security, anti-piracy operations, coastal surveillance and humanitarian missions, it is perfectly suited to every role, making it a unique maritime platform,” he added.
With local content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of India’s indigenous defense ecosystem, which includes over 200 MSMEs and supports thousands of job opportunities.
The Taragiri is powered by a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system, providing high-speed, high-endurance capabilities for diverse offshore operations.
The frigate is equipped with advanced weapons systems, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and a specialized anti-submarine warfare group. These systems have been integrated through a modern combat management system, enabling rapid and accurate responses to emerging threats, the Navy said.
Aside from combat roles, the Taragiri is designed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, enhancing its operational versatility in peace and conflict scenarios.
Moreover, Singh emphasized the importance of the undersea internet cable system and said that financial transactions, communications network and defense coordination depend on it.
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If anyone damages these cables, the impact will not be limited to one country, but to the global system.
“For this reason, maritime security must be viewed from a comprehensive and future-ready framework that goes beyond the traditional perspective,” he stressed.
“We must not only secure our shores, but also ensure the protection of those vital sea lanes, choke points and digital infrastructure linked to our national interests. I am pleased that the Indian Navy is proactively participating in all these security missions,” Singh said.
He noted that this approach to security will prepare the country for future challenges and will establish India as a strong maritime power.
When India builds and deploys advanced ships like INS Taragiri, it becomes an assurance of peace and prosperity for the entire region, Singh said.
This story has been published from a news agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the title has changed.
