President Droupadi Murmu Launches Indigenous Stealth Frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ for Indian Navy

Vindhyagiri : In a momentous event that underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and indigenous shipbuilding, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the advanced stealth frigate ‘Vindhyagiri‘ for the Indian Navy. The launch took place at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd’s (GRSE) facility in Kolkata. This significant achievement not only adds to India’s maritime capabilities but also aligns with the country’s vision of an ‘atmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Governor CV Ananda Bose, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal.

Advancing Naval Capabilities through Indigenous Innovation

The ‘Vindhyagiri’ stealth frigate marks the sixth vessel rolled out as part of the Project 17A Frigate. This prestigious project follows the successful launches of INS Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Himgiri, Taragiri, and Dunagiri between 2019 and 2022. The ship’s name draws inspiration from the ‘Vindhya’ ranges in Karnataka, paying homage to India’s diverse geography.

Unveiling the Technological Marvel

Officials have described the P17A ships as guided missile frigates, boasting a length of 149 metres and a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes. With a formidable speed of 28 knots, these ships stand ready to neutralize threats across air, surface, and sub-surface domains. This accomplishment is a testament to the remarkable engineering prowess of the GRSE team.

A Milestone towards Self-Reliance

Addressing the audience, President Droupadi Murmu lauded the efforts that led to the creation of ‘Vindhyagiri’. She highlighted that this achievement is a pivotal stride toward realizing an ‘atmanirbhar Bharat’ through indigenous shipbuilding. The President commended the Indian Navy for its remarkable contributions and praised GRSE’s legacy of delivering more than 100 warships, including the distinguished frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’. She expressed her appreciation for the entire GRSE team, whose dedication and expertise brought this milestone to fruition.

Unveiling Technological Excellence

The Project 17A Frigates embody India’s commitment to indigenous innovation and advanced technology. The multi-mission frigates in this series stand as a testament to the nation’s capability to combat diverse maritime threats effectively. These vessels are at the forefront of safeguarding India’s maritime interests and upholding regional stability.

Kolkata’s Cultural Significance

President Murmu emphasized the significance of Kolkata, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. She described Kolkata as a beacon of intellectual vibrancy, artistic fervor, and cosmopolitan spirit, encapsulating the essence of India’s diversity. Given its strategic location, Kolkata plays a vital role in India’s naval preparedness and the safeguarding of maritime interests.

Symbolizing Robustness

Once commissioned, the ‘Vindhyagiri’ will symbolize the robustness and resilience of the Vindhya ranges. This ship stands as a testament to India’s maritime strength, underscoring the country’s commitment to securing its waters and maritime interests.

A Glimpse into the Future

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar shared that the launch of ‘Vindhyagiri’ is a moment of immense pride for the Indian Navy. The Admiral expressed that the ship represents not only a technological marvel but also a step towards India’s goal of self-reliance by 2047. He highlighted that various ships are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, showcasing the nation’s dedication to strengthening its naval capabilities.

Conclusion

The launch of the indigenous stealth frigate ‘Vindhyagiri’ is a historic event that signifies India’s prowess in shipbuilding and maritime technology. This achievement resonates with the country’s commitment to self-reliance and showcases the remarkable capabilities of Indian engineers and shipbuilders. As India’s naval capabilities continue to grow, the ‘Vindhyagiri’ stands as a beacon of strength and determination.

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