Kaliningrad: The Indian Navy has officially inducted the INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, into its fleet. The commissioning ceremony, held in Kaliningrad, Russia, was attended by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who described the ship’s induction as a major milestone for India’s growing maritime power and a testament to the strong and enduring friendship between India and Russia.
A Symbol of India-Russia Collaboration
Minister Singh highlighted that INS Tushil is a prime example of the growing collaboration between Indian and Russian industries. He emphasized that the ship features an increasing amount of “Made in India” content, reflecting India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its indigenous defence capabilities. Singh also acknowledged Russia’s steadfast support for India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), noting that the ship’s creation is a product of successful cooperation between the two nations.
India’s Maritime Strategy and Regional Security
The Defence Minister underscored the significance of the ship’s commissioning within the broader context of India’s maritime strategy. He reiterated India’s commitment to the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), a cornerstone of India’s maritime policy promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh explained that SAGAR symbolizes India’s dedication to regional security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development. He also pointed out that Russia has consistently supported this vision, further strengthening the bilateral maritime relationship.
Recognition of Collaborative Efforts
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, expressed his congratulations to all those involved in the project, including the workers at the shipyard and the Russian and Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). He praised their exceptional work and the successful integration of Indian systems with Russian technologies, which significantly enhanced the ship’s capabilities.
Strengthening Naval Ties
The event was also attended by Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Governor of Kaliningrad Alexey Sergeyevich Besprozvannykh, and senior officials from both Indian and Russian governments, as well as from the two navies and the defence industries. The commissioning of INS Tushil marks another significant step in the long-standing defence collaboration between India and Russia.
