Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the final Project 17A stealth frigate, marking another step in India’s push to strengthen indigenous naval power. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh used the occasion to stress that even as warfare becomes more technology-driven, victory will still depend on national resolve, trained soldiers and credible military strength.

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth vessel of the Nilgiri-class and was delivered to the Navy earlier this year before its commissioning at Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026. The warship is part of Project 17A, a programme built around stealth, advanced sensors, modern weapons and a high degree of indigenous content. Its induction is being seen as a major boost to India’s maritime capability and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

At the commissioning event, Rajnath Singh said future wars may involve artificial intelligence, but they will not be won by machines alone. He argued that technology is important, yet the real deciding factors remain resolve, disciplined soldiers and the ability to project credible military power. His remarks fit into a broader message he has made repeatedly: modern warfare will demand jointness, innovation and stronger coordination across the services.

INS Mahendragiri’s commissioning is both a naval upgrade and a signal about India’s long-term defence priorities. Rajnath Singh’s message was clear: AI will shape the battlefield, but nations will still prevail through willpower, trained personnel and strong military capability.