Indian Navy Commissions INS Taragiri: A New Era of Stealth and Self-Reliance in Visakhapatnam
VISAKHAPATNAM, April 03, 2026 — Marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime history, the Indian Navy officially commissioned INS Taragiri, its latest state-of-the-art stealth frigate, during a high-profile ceremony in Visakhapatnam.
Attended by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, the event highlighted the vessel as a crowning achievement of the Project 17A class and a potent symbol of the nation’s “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in defense manufacturing.
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the 6,670-tonne warship integrates advanced stealth technology to minimize its radar signature, making it a lethal asset in contested waters.
With over 75% indigenous content, the frigate underscores the success of Indian public-private partnerships, involving over 200 MSMEs in its sophisticated construction.
During his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized that a robust Navy is an “absolute necessity” rather than an option, given that 95% of India’s trade and its essential energy security are tethered to maritime routes.
He praised the Indian Navy’s role as a first responder and a “responsible maritime power” that secures critical sea lanes, global choke points, and vital undersea digital infrastructure.
The Raksha Mantri noted that INS Taragiri is equipped with a world-class combat suite—including BrahMos supersonic missiles and advanced anti-submarine warfare systems—enabling it to handle everything from high-intensity combat to humanitarian missions.
This commissioning comes at a time when India’s defense exports have hit a record high of ₹38,424 crore, signaling the country’s transition from an importer to a key player in the global defense supply chain.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi reflected on the ship’s legacy, noting that this modern incarnation of the Taragiri name represents a generational leap in technology compared to its 1980s predecessor.
The vessel features a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system and an Integrated Platform Management System, ensuring high-speed transit and long-term deployment capabilities.
As INS Taragiri joins the Eastern Fleet, it serves as a formidable deterrent and a guarantor of peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ceremony, attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, concluded with the maiden hoisting of the National Flag, reinforcing the message that India’s vast coastlines are now guarded by warships designed, built, and operated entirely by Indians.