The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar, Karnataka. The commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the development of advanced indigenous naval capabilities.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that INS Samarthak, with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, reflects the growing strength of India’s industrial, technological and shipbuilding capabilities. He observed that self-reliance in defence is no longer merely an aspiration but an emerging reality, contributing to India’s strategic autonomy and the vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat articulated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Highlighting India’s rich maritime heritage, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan recalled the naval traditions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Chola dynasty, which extended India’s maritime influence across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
The Vice-President commended the Indian Navy for its distinguished service in safeguarding national sovereignty and maritime interests. He also appreciated its role as a first responder and a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, including anti-piracy operations, the evacuation of Indian citizens and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Highlighting the significance of INS Samarthak, the Vice-President said that the vessel will serve as a versatile platform for trials and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies. Its capabilities will also support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, launch and recovery of targets, operations involving unmanned systems, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He observed that such a platform would enable the Navy to adapt more rapidly to emerging technological developments and translate indigenous innovation into operational capabilities.
Referring to Karwar’s strategic importance, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea make it a vital component of India’s maritime security architecture. He highlighted the ongoing development of modern naval infrastructure under Project Seabird, which is enhancing the Navy’s capacity to base and sustain ships and submarines while generating wider economic opportunities for the region.
The Vice-President also underscored the growing partnership between the Indian Navy, defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards, DRDO, academia, MSMEs and start-ups in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Appreciating Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for its contribution to the project, he acknowledged the efforts of naval designers, production authorities, shipyard professionals, engineers, technicians, suppliers and ancillary industries in building indigenous naval capabilities.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff; Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief; Vice-Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition; Rear Admiral Vikram Menon, Flag Officer (Karnataka); retired Rear Admiral G. K. Harish, Head of Shipbuilding, L&T; Commander Sushil Kumar Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Samarthak; senior officers of the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence, and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.
