Vice-President Radhakrishnan Commissions Navy’s First Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel INS Samarthak

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Radhakrishnan said self-reliance in defence was no longer merely an aspiration but was increasingly becoming a reality. He noted that INS Samarthak, with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, reflected India’s growing defence production capabilities and its pursuit of strategic autonomy.

The vessel also represents progress towards the vision of a developed and self-reliant India, or Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to an official statement.

Highlighting India’s maritime heritage, the Vice-President referred to the naval traditions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Chola dynasty, which extended India’s maritime influence across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

INS Samarthak will serve as a versatile platform for testing and evaluating next-generation weapons, sensors, and emerging technologies. Its capabilities will also support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, target launch and recovery, unmanned-system operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Radhakrishnan said the vessel would help the Navy respond more quickly to emerging technological developments and convert indigenous research and innovation into operational capabilities.

He also highlighted Karwar’s strategic importance, citing its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea as key factors in India’s maritime security framework.

The Vice-President referred to the ongoing development of naval infrastructure under Project Seabird, which is strengthening the Navy’s ability to base and sustain ships and submarines at Karwar. The project is also expected to generate broader economic opportunities for the surrounding region.

Senior naval officers attending the ceremony included 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); and retired Rear Admiral G. K. Harish.

The commissioning of INS Samarthak adds a new indigenous platform to the Navy’s capabilities, with roles spanning technology evaluation, maritime operations and humanitarian missions.