Kolkata, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three indigenously designed and built warships—INS Dunagiri, INS Sandhayak, and INS Agray—at the Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port in Kolkata on Sunday. He stated that a nation’s maritime strength directly correlates with its economic and strategic influence. India is preparing itself for this reality.
During his address, PM Modi highlighted that June 21 also marks World Hydrography Day (WHD). It is a remarkable coincidence that on this day, India commissioned its most advanced hydrographic survey vessel, INS Sandhayak. He announced the induction of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sandhayak into the Indian Navy.
PM Modi remarked that the world recognizes that no nation can become a major power without maritime capability. Development, security, and prosperity are linked to the sea. Today, most of the world’s trade occurs via maritime routes. Vast networks connecting the world traverse beneath the oceans. In the future, critical minerals and new energy sources will also be linked to the seas. A nation with strong maritime capabilities will have a robust economic and strategic impact. India understands this reality well and is preparing accordingly.
In his speech, PM Modi stated, “Today’s event showcases our capabilities and skills. Some time ago, we dedicated INS Vikrant to the nation, marking a new chapter in India’s maritime strength. It was a declaration of India’s capabilities to the world.”
He emphasized that the journey from INS Vikrant to the present is not just about new warships. It represents India’s growing self-reliance. Today, INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sandhayak are propelling this journey forward.
PM Modi noted that the three warships symbolize three significant commitments from India. They were designed and built in India, showcasing the talent of Indian industries, the skills of Indian engineers, and the hard work of Indian laborers. This is the greatest strength of the new India.
He stated that India does not want to remain merely a buyer in the defense sector. Our military strength cannot become a market for the world. The identity of our strength lies not in becoming a global market but in self-reliance. India aspires to be a manufacturer, and the day we achieve that, we will also be decisive. India is rapidly progressing in this direction. Over the past years, more than 40 ‘Made in India’ warships and submarines have been inducted into the Navy. Almost every few weeks, the Indian Navy gains new strength. Currently, 45 large naval platforms are under construction. These numbers are not just statistics; they are proof of India’s industrial capacity and a sign of its future.
PM Modi concluded by stating that in the coming years, India’s maritime sector has the potential to create millions of jobs. This is why we do not view the maritime sector as an isolated area. We see it as an employment engine for a developed India. A modern ship requires hundreds of tons of steel, electronics, machinery, and thousands of components, with thousands of companies working behind the scenes. This clearly indicates that thousands of young people will find employment.
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