India celebrated the commissioning of INS Taragiri, a domestically constructed advanced stealth frigate, in Visakhapatnam on Monday, showcasing a substantial enhancement to the nation’s maritime capabilities. The vessel, unveiled in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, boasts cutting-edge stealth attributes and state-of-the-art radar, sonar, and missile systems, enabling a wide array of operations such as combat missions, maritime security, and anti-piracy patrols.
Describing INS Taragiri as the fourth frigate in the Project 17A class, Singh emphasized its representation of India’s expanding technological prowess, self-reliance, and robust naval capabilities. The warship, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and over 75% indigenous components, underscores the country’s growing domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Equipped with advanced stealth technologies to minimize radar detection, the frigate is designed for diverse operations encompassing high-intensity combat, maritime security, anti-piracy missions, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian aid efforts. Singh highlighted the vessel’s capability for high-speed deployment and prolonged sea missions, equipped with modern radar, sonar, and missile systems including BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, empowering it to swiftly identify and counter threats.
Addressing India’s strategic reliance on maritime routes, Singh stressed that nearly 95% of the nation’s trade occurs through the seas, with energy security intricately linked to maritime activities. With an expansive coastline of over 11,000 kilometers, he emphasized the inseparability of India’s development from maritime security.
In the face of global uncertainties, Singh underscored the Indian Navy’s continuous presence in the Indian Ocean Region, safeguarding vital sea lanes and chokepoints to ensure uninterrupted trade flow. He highlighted the Navy’s role in protecting commercial vessels and oil tankers during escalated tensions, reinforcing India’s reputation as a responsible maritime power.
Singh also emphasized the significance of safeguarding undersea digital infrastructure, noting the critical role of subsea internet cables in global data transmission. Advocating for a comprehensive approach to maritime security, he emphasized the Navy’s proactive stance in protecting not only coastlines but also essential maritime and digital assets.
Singh pointed out a significant surge in defense exports, from Rs 1,200 crore a decade ago to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, as a testament to this transformative progress. The induction of INS Taragiri into the Eastern Fleet is anticipated to bolster India’s operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing the nation’s ability to independently design, construct, and deploy sophisticated warships.
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