INS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy Fleet at Visakhapatnam Commissioning Ceremony

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally commissioned the INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet during a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. The indigenous stealth frigate represents a significant advancement in India's defence manufacturing capabilities and strengthens the nation's naval presence across blue waters.

The 6,670-tonne vessel, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, marks the sixth frigate inducted under Project 17A. The warship incorporates more than 75% indigenous content and comes equipped with comprehensive combat systems including air, surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Its arsenal includes BrahMos missiles, cutting-edge air-defence systems, electronic warfare equipment and capacity to deploy a multi-role helicopter.

Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh noted that emerging security challenges increasingly feature artificial intelligence and drone technologies. He underscored, however, that such innovations serve to enhance rather than supplant the critical role of skilled military personnel and conventional defence infrastructure. The Defence Minister highlighted the frigate's strategic value in safeguarding India's maritime and economic interests throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The minister praised the vessel as a testament to India's advancement in domestic shipbuilding, underpinned by robust design expertise, manufacturing proficiency and the expanding naval industrial base. He appealed to entrepreneurs, technical specialists, researchers, innovators and financial backers to invest in defence technologies that would bolster India's military self-sufficiency.

Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan characterised the induction as a pivotal achievement in indigenous warship development. He credited the accomplishment to collaborative efforts involving Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, domestic manufacturers, micro and small enterprises, the Warship Overseeing Team, trial organisations and personnel aboard the vessel.

The commissioning ceremony drew Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command; Captain Jagmohan (Retd), CMD of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd; senior naval leadership; military veterans; industry representatives; and other senior officials.