VISAKHAPATNAM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday highlighted the Indian Navy's indispensable role in securing commercial shipping lanes and oil tankers against emerging maritime threats, pointing out that 95 per cent of the country's trade, including energy supplies, was conducted through sea.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of indigenously build stealth frigate, INS Taragiri, here, he said the Navy continuously maintains its presence in the Indian Ocean--whether it is the Persian Gulf or the Malacca Strait.
He said that the commissioning of INS Taragiri will further increase the Navy's power, values and commitment.
As the fourth platform under Project 17A, Taragiri is a 6,670-tonne warship built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, showcasing advanced design and engineering excellence.
It comes equipped with, among others, BrahMos missiles.
The warship features a sleeker structure with a significantly reduced radar cross-section, enabling stealth operations and enhanced survivability in complex maritime environments.
In his address, Singh praised the Navy for being at the forefront during crises.
"Whenever there is a crisis, whether it is evacuation operation or providing humanitarian assistance, our Navy is always at the forefront. I feel our Navy is a symbol of India's values and commitment. I believe the commissioning of INS Taragiri will further increase our Navy's power, values, and commitment," he said.
According to the Defence minister, a strong and capable navy is not an option for the country, but a necessity.
"There are many sensitive points in the sea where our Navy has continuously made its active presence to ensure the smooth supply of goods. Whenever there is a situation of tension there, the Indian Navy has ensured the security of our commercial ships and oil tankers," he said.
The Indian Navy has proven that it is not only capable of protecting the interests of the country, but if necessary, can also take every step to ensure the safety of its citizens and trade routes around the world, he added.
This capability makes India a responsible maritime power, Singh said.
Citing history, he said, without strengthening the naval power, no country can be considered powerful in the right sense and therefore, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about "Viksit Bharat" (developed India) by 2047, the basis of marine power becomes very important.
On the indigenously built Taragiri, he called the commissioning of the ship a "major achievement".
He said the 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.
Singh said 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," he said.
With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of India's domestic defence ecosystem, involving over 200 MSMEs and supporting thousands of jobs.
Taragiri is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, offering high-speed and high-endurance capabilities for diverse naval operations.
The frigate is equipped with advanced weapon systems, including supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and a specialised anti-submarine warfare suite.
These systems are integrated through a modern combat management system, enabling swift and precise responses to emerging threats, the Navy said.
Apart from combat roles, Taragiri is designed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, enhancing its operational versatility in both peace and conflict scenarios.
Further, underscoring the importance of the undersea internet cable system, Singh said financial transactions, communication network and defence coordination depend on it.
If anyone damages these cables then its impact will not be limited to any single country, but the global system.
"That's why, the maritime security has to be seen from a comprehensive and future ready framework beyond the traditional perspective," he stressed.
"We must not limit ourselves to merely securing our own shores, but also ensure the protection of those critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure that are linked to our national interests. I am pleased that the Indian Navy is pro-actively engaged in all these security tasks," Singh said.
He pointed out that this approach towards security will prepare the country for the challenges of the future, and will establish India as a powerful maritime power.
When India builds and deploys advanced ships like INS Taragiri, it becomes a guarantee of peace and prosperity for the entire region, Singh said.