India marked a significant milestone on Monday with the commissioning of INS Taragiri, a cutting-edge stealth frigate constructed domestically in Visakhapatnam. The warship, unveiled in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is outfitted with advanced stealth technology, modern radar, sonar, and missile systems, enabling it to carry out a variety of operations such as combat missions, maritime security, and anti-piracy patrols.
Singh hailed INS Taragiri, the fourth frigate of the Project 17A class, as a testament to India’s technological advancement, self-reliance, and robust naval capabilities, emphasizing the critical need for a strong and capable Navy in today’s era. Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited with substantial involvement from MSMEs, the vessel boasts a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes and over 75% indigenous content, showcasing India’s growing indigenous defense manufacturing sector.
Equipped with advanced stealth features to minimize radar detection, the frigate is versatile for multi-role operations encompassing high-intensity combat, maritime security, anti-piracy patrols, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian aid missions. Singh highlighted its high-speed transit capability and extended deployment capacity at sea, along with its state-of-the-art radar, sonar, and missile systems, including BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, enabling swift threat monitoring and response.
Emphasizing India’s strategic reliance on maritime routes, Singh pointed out that nearly 95% of the nation’s trade occurs through the seas, underscoring the close link between energy security and oceans. With an extensive coastline exceeding 11,000 kilometers, he stressed the inseparability of India’s development from maritime security concerns.
In the face of evolving global uncertainties, Singh underscored the Indian Navy’s vital role in safeguarding critical sea lanes and choke points across the Indian Ocean Region to ensure seamless movement of goods. He highlighted the Navy’s intervention during escalated tensions to protect commercial vessels and oil tankers, reinforcing India’s image as a responsible maritime power.
Singh also drew attention to the importance of protecting undersea digital infrastructure, noting the significant portion of global data transmitted through subsea internet cables. Advocating for a comprehensive and future-focused approach to maritime security, he mentioned the Navy’s active involvement in safeguarding not only coastlines but also crucial maritime and digital assets.
The Defence Minister cited a substantial increase in defense exports, from about Rs 1,200 crore a decade ago to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, as evidence of India’s transformation in this sector. With its integration into the Eastern Fleet, INS Taragiri is poised to bolster India’s operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region, showcasing the nation’s ability to independently design, construct, and deploy sophisticated warships.