Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that 60 large Navy ships, collectively valued at approximately ₹1.5 trillion, are currently under construction within India. This investment is anticipated to generate an economic circulation of around ₹3 trillion, accompanied by a sixfold multiplier effect on employment. Each ship’s construction is estimated to create up to 14,000 direct and indirect jobs.
These remarks were made by Modi during the commissioning ceremony of three frontline Indian Navy warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Notably, this marked a historic first for the commissioning of three major warships simultaneously. All three platforms were built domestically, underscoring India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities.
Highlighting the broader significance of the “Make in India” initiative, Modi stated that the programme is not only strengthening India’s armed forces but also fostering economic growth. According to experts, every rupee invested in the shipbuilding industry delivers nearly double the economic returns, as highlighted in an official release from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Emphasising self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Modi pointed out that most components for the 60 ships under construction are sourced from domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He noted that while 2,000 workers are directly engaged in building each ship, an additional 12,000 jobs are created across ancillary industries, particularly in the MSME sector. The Indian Navy has confirmed that 60 such vessels, including warships, are being built in Indian shipyards as of December.
Modi stressed the importance of modernising India’s military to meet 21st-century challenges. He highlighted ongoing reforms, such as the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff and the transition to theatre commands, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency across the defence sector. Additionally, he reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) by identifying over 5,000 items and equipment that will no longer be imported.
The Prime Minister also mentioned key advancements in domestic defence production, including India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility in Karnataka and a transport aircraft factory for the armed forces. Defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are playing a pivotal role in boosting indigenous defence production.
The Navy’s achievements under the “Make in India” initiative were prominently highlighted. Over the past decade, the Navy has inducted 33 ships and seven submarines, with 39 of 40 naval vessels constructed in Indian shipyards. Significant milestones include the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Annual domestic defence production has surpassed ₹1.25 trillion, with military equipment being exported to over 100 countries, signalling a robust transformation in India’s defence sector.
At the same event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer as historic, emphasizing the Indian Navy’s growing strength in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean Region. He reaffirmed the MoD’s dedication to self-reliance, noting that INS Surat and INS Nilgiri feature over 75% indigenous content, with local production steadily increasing across other platforms.
The MoD has designated 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” focusing on simplifying defence acquisition procedures to expedite capability development. Plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 are already in motion and set to be completed by 2025.
Details of the newly commissioned vessels were also shared. INS Surat, the final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, is among the world’s largest and most advanced destroyers, featuring 75% indigenous content, sophisticated weapon-sensor systems, and cutting-edge network-centric capabilities. INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, boasts advanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth capabilities, representing the next generation of Indian frigates. Lastly, INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, highlights India’s growing expertise in submarine construction, developed in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
This historic event reinforces India’s commitment to modernising its defence forces while achieving self-reliance in critical sectors, ensuring the nation remains well-equipped to safeguard its interests on land, sea, and air.
