Defence Minister launches Navy destroyer warship INS Surat and frigate INS Udaygiri

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched the indigenously built vital naval ships INS Surat and frigate INS Udaygiri in Mumbai.

INS Udaygiri is the third ship under Project 17A Frigates, named after the mountain ranges in Andhra Pradesh and INS Surat is the fourth destroyer in Project 15B which is named after the second-largest commercial hub of western India.

Rajnath Singh said in the years to come India will not only limit itself to building ships for Indian use but cater to the demand of the entire world.

Speaking at the launch, the Defence Minister recalled India’s long history spreading over many centuries of expertise in developing Naval warfare-based technologies.

The Raksha Mantri said considering the fact most of the international trade including 2/3 rd of oil trade, 1/3rd bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic in the Indo Pacific region are done by sea route, it is imperative to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Mr Singh said the Indian navy has been doing unprecedented work in its research and developmental field.

This is why the USINDOPACOM has expressed its desire to work with the Indian navy. The United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) is one of six geographic combatant commands of the US.

Rajnath Singh said considering the uncertain situation developing in Indo pacific and Indian Ocean regions, the role of the Indian navy is going to be more crucial.

He said as India is growing into a strong, prosperous nation and is going in the way to be a global power, the role of the Indian navy becomes essential.

The two new warships are a “true testament of Atmanirbhar Bharat” as approximately 75 per cent of the orders for equipment and systems for the warships were given to indigenous firms.