President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates INS 'Vindhyagiri': A Landmark Moment for Indigenous Warship Capabilities

Kolkata, August 18, 2023 — In a significant stride bolstering the maritime capabilities of the nation, President Droupadi Murmu graced the city of Kolkata with her presence on Thursday. The event of prominence witnessed the ceremonial launch of INS 'Vindhyagiri' at the esteemed Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd's (GRSE) facility, strategically situated along the banks of the Hooghly river. The nomenclature of 'Vindhyagiri' draws inspiration from the eponymous mountain range adorning the state of Karnataka. The distinguished occasion was attended by notable dignitaries, further underscoring its significance. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, alongside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, extended their esteemed hospitality to President Murmu, collectively heralding the inauguration of the INS 'Vindhyagiri'. INS 'Vindhyagiri', a cutting-edge stealth frigate, stands as a testament to the prowess of indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. This remarkable vessel constitutes the sixth iteration within the paradigm of 'Project 17 Alpha', a notable initiative aimed at fortifying the naval assets of the country. The preceding five vessels of this series were consecutively launched between the years 2019 and 2022, marking an exemplary achievement within the maritime domain. The significance of the INS 'Vindhyagiri' transcends its technological marvel. It represents the culmination of a strategic commitment, affirming the Kolkata-based shipbuilding enterprise's dedication to the Indian Navy. The vessel assumes a distinct place within the 'Project 17 Alpha' framework, serving as the third and final stealth frigate as per the contractual obligations. Emphasizing the government's commitment to indigenous industrial development, a noteworthy 75 percent of the requisites for the P17A ships, encompassing equipment and systems, are sourced from domestic enterprises. This proactive engagement with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) exemplifies a symbiotic relationship contributing to national progress. The INS 'Vindhyagiri' is an embodiment of advanced technological paradigms. Prior to its formal integration into naval operations, the vessel is poised to undergo an array of comprehensive trials, attesting to its operational readiness and adherence to stringent maritime standards. In the wider context, the P17A ships stand as a progression from the Project 17 Class Frigates, or the Shivalik Class, representing a marked evolution in maritime engineering. Enhanced stealth attributes, sophisticated weaponry, and advanced sensor systems distinguish these vessels, collectively shaping a potent force multiplier for naval capabilities. The dimensional magnitude of the P17A ships is noteworthy, spanning a length of 149 meters with a substantial displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes. Notably agile, these vessels cruise at a commendable speed of 28 knots, delivering formidable prowess across air, surface, and sub-surface domains. In a parallel endeavor, President Murmu lent her support to the 'My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal' campaign, an initiative aligning with the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'. The campaign launch transpired at the esteemed Raj Bhavan, underscoring the President's commitment to holistic societal development. This visit marks President Murmu's second engagement with West Bengal since her ascendancy to the esteemed office. A prior visit in March underscored her dedication to the state and its aspirations. The security apparatus surrounding the President's visit bore testimony to its significance, with meticulous traffic regulations enforced across key thoroughfares to ensure seamless proceedings.