Team News Riveting
New Delhi, April 03
INS Taragiri, the fourth potent platform of the Project 17A class, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on April 03, 2026. A masterclass in modern naval shipbuilding, this latest stealth frigate, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes, has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, with the support of MSMEs, for multi-role operations. It utilises advanced stealth technology to achieve a significantly reduced radar signature, providing a lethal edge in contested environments.
With over 75% indigenous content and built in significantly reduced timelines, INS Taragiri exemplifies India’s shipbuilding prowess and strong public-private collaboration. Raksha Mantri, in his address, described INS Taragiri as not merely a warship but a symbol of India’s growing technological prowess, self-reliance, and formidable naval power.
This ship is capable of high-speed transit and can remain deployed at sea for extended periods. It is equipped with systems designed to monitor enemy movements, ensure its own security, and if necessary, deliver an immediate response. It features modern radar, sonar, and missile systems, such as BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, which further augment its operational prowess. From high-intensity combat to maritime security, anti-piracy operations, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian missions, it fits perfectly into every role, making it a unique naval platform,” said Rajnath Singh.
Raksha Mantri asserted that India, with a coastline stretching over 11,000 kilometers, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and it cannot view its development in isolation from the ocean. He added that approximately 95 percent of the country’s trade is conducted via maritime routes, and energy security is dependent on the sea, which makes building a strong and capable Navy not merely an option, but an absolute necessity.
Highlighting the immense significance of the maritime domain in the evolving security landscape, Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Navy maintains a round-the-clock presence across the Indian Ocean region amidst the global uncertainties. “The vast expanse of the ocean contains numerous sensitive points, where our Navy has consistently maintained an active presence to ensure the smooth flow of goods. Whenever tensions flare, the Indian Navy steps-in to guarantee the security of commercial vessels and oil tankers. It is not only safeguarding India’s national interests, but is also prepared to take every necessary measure to protect our citizens and trade routes across the globe. It is this capability that firmly establishes India as a responsible and formidable maritime power,” he said.
Raksha Mantri added that in the modern digital era, the vast majority of the world’s data travels through undersea internet cables, and any damage to them could disrupt global order. He called to move beyond a traditional perspective on maritime security and view it through a comprehensive, future-ready framework. “We must not limit ourselves to safeguarding our coastlines; we must also ensure the security of critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure that are inextricably linked to our national interests. The Indian Navy is proactively engaged in all these security endeavors. This approach prepares us for future challenges. Whenever India constructs and deploys advanced vessels such as INS Taragiri, it serves as a guarantee of peace and prosperity for the entire region,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also pointed out that whenever a crisis arises, be it evacuation operations or humanitarian assistance, the Indian Navy invariably stands at the forefront, serving as a symbol of India’s core values and unwavering commitment. “INS Taragiri will further augment the strength, values, and commitment of our Navy,” he said.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to make the Indian Navy one of the world’s strongest in the times to come, backed by an indigenous industry, Raksha Mantri stated that defence manufacturing in the country is marching ahead as a national mission under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Today, we’re no longer confined to fulfilling our own requirements; we’re actively securing our place within the global supply chain. India’s participation is integral at every stage – from design and development to final deployment. It gives us confidence that we possess the capability to design not only our own security but also our future. INS Taragiri stands as an embodiment of this very vision,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted INS Taragiri’s rich legacy, recalling the erstwhile Leander-class frigate commissioned in 1980, which played a pioneering role in advancing India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and operational innovation. Reflecting on the evolving maritime security environment, he underscored the growing complexities of the Indian Ocean Region, shaped by dynamic geopolitics, emerging technologies, and non-traditional threats. The CNS emphasised the Navy’s commitment to remaining a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force to safeguard national maritime interests, anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
The momentous event was marked by the ceremonial breaking of the Commissioning Pennant and the maiden hoisting of the National Flag on the ship. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla; CMD, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Captain Jagmohan (Retd) were among those present during the commissioning.
