Ananya Lohia , Delhi - India marked a major milestone in its defence modernisation as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. He described the Indian Navy as a key pillar of both national security and economic stability.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Singh highlighted the Navy's crucial role during the West Asia conflict, when it safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth over Rs 9,000 crore under Operation Urja Suraksha. He said the Navy continues to safeguard India's maritime and economic interests across the Indo-Pacific region.

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth stealth frigate built under the Rs 45,000 crore Project 17A and features more than 75 percent indigenous content. Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced sensors and anti-submarine warfare systems, the warship will significantly strengthen India's operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.

The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri reinforces India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing while enhancing the Navy's combat readiness and maritime dominance.