Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, saying a strong naval force is “not merely an option” for India, but a necessity.
Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi and Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan were present at the ceremony, along with senior naval officials.
Taragiri is the fourth warship under Project 17A, a class of frigates being inducted as part of the Navy’s push to expand its operational reach in the Indo-Pacific. The 6,670-tonne ship has been built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, with more than 75 per cent of its components sourced within the country through a network of over 200 MSMEs.
Singh linked the commissioning to India’s economic priorities. With a coastline of over 11,000 kilometres and nearly 95 per cent of trade moving by sea, he said the country’s growth is closely tied to maritime security.
“When our Prime Minister speaks of building a developed India by 2047, the role of marine power in that vision also becomes extremely crucial. A country with a coastline exceeding 11,000 kilometres, our nation surrounded by the sea on three sides, cannot envision its development separate from the ocean. Nearly 95 per cent of our trade happens through maritime routes. Our energy security, too, depends on the seas. In such a scenario, it is clear that a strong and capable Navy is not merely an option for us, but a necessity.”
What the ship brings
Taragiri has been designed to remain difficult to track at sea, with features that reduce its radar visibility. The ship can push hard when speed is needed or hold a steady, long patrol when the mission demands patience.
Its weapons cover the full range – supersonic missiles for surface threats, air defence systems for what comes from above, and dedicated equipment for hunting submarines. A combat management system pulls all of this into one picture for the crew.
Taragiri is not built only for war. It can pivot to an evacuation or a disaster relief operation, roles the Navy has had to fill more often than most people notice.
⚓️ Voices of Legacy. Spirit of Taragiri.
Reliving the journey of old Taragiri — through the voices of her crew, who shaped her legacy at sea with courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment.
As a new warship prepares to carry the name forward, the legacy sails on.
— IN (@IndiannavyMedia) April 2, 2026
Singh noted that the Navy maintains a steady presence from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Strait. “Our Navy, whether it is the Persian Gulf or the Malacca Strait, continuously maintains its presence in the Indian Ocean. Whenever any crisis arises, whether it is evacuation operations or providing humanitarian assistance, our Navy is always at the forefront. Our Navy is a symbol of India’s values and commitment. The commissioning of INS Taragiri will further strengthen our Navy’s power, values, and commitment,” he said.