60 ships being built by Indian shipyards, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s defence production has surpassed Rs.1.25 lakh crore and that defence equipment are being exported to over 100 nations.
He highlighted this achievement of the defence sector at the dedication to the nation of three frontline naval combatants – INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer as the vessels were commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 15 Jan 2025 https://fieo.org/.
“It is for the first time that the tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate and submarine was being done,” highlighted the Prime Minister, pointing out that the three frontline platforms were made in India https://www.state.gov/.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the three frontline platforms were made in India, saying, “The Make in India initiative is not only enhancing the capabilities of India’s armed forces but also opening new avenues for economic progress.”
He cited the shipbuilding ecosystem as an example, noting that experts say every rupee invested in shipbuilding has a positive impact of nearly double on the economy.
The Prime Minister remarked that currently, 60 large ships are under construction in the country, valued at approximately Rs.1.5 lakh crore https://www.shipyardsassociationofindia.com/.
He emphasised that this investment would result in an economic circulation of around Rs.3 lakh crore and a six-fold multiplier effect in terms of employment.
He informed that the armed forces have identified over 5,000 items that would be made in India and such equipment will no longer be imported https://sbi.com.in/.
Modi noted the establishment of the country’s largest helicopter manufacturing factory in Karnataka and a transport aircraft factory for the armed forces.
He went on applaud the achievements of Tejas fighter plane and the development of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which are accelerating defence production.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the Navy’s significant expansion of the Make in India initiative, acknowledging the crucial role of Mazagon Dockyard.
He mentioned the inclusion of 33 ships and seven submarines in the Navy over the past decade, with 39 out of 40 naval vessels were built in Indian shipyards.
This includes the majestic INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.
Background:
The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realising India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security.
INS Surat, the fourth & final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It has an indigenous content of 75% and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.
INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, represents India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France. Fiinews.com
