Karwar, October 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar in Karnataka, describing India’s growing defence self-reliance as an emerging reality rather than merely an aspiration.
Addressing the commissioning ceremony, the Vice-President said that with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, INS Samarthak reflects India’s advancing capabilities in domestic defence manufacturing. He said the vessel would contribute to the country’s strategic autonomy and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence production and develop advanced indigenous naval capabilities, according to an official statement.
Highlighting India’s rich maritime heritage, Radhakrishnan recalled the naval traditions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Chola dynasty, whose maritime activities extended India’s influence across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
Describing the operational significance of INS Samarthak, the Vice-President said the vessel would serve as a versatile platform for the trials and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies.
The vessel is also equipped to support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, the launch and recovery of targets, operations involving unmanned systems, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Radhakrishnan observed that the multi-purpose platform would help the Indian Navy respond more rapidly to emerging technological developments and translate indigenous innovation into operational capabilities.
Emphasising Karwar’s strategic importance, the Vice-President said its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea made it a vital component of India’s maritime security architecture.
He also highlighted the ongoing development of modern naval infrastructure under Project Seabird, which is strengthening the Navy’s capacity to base and sustain ships and submarines. The project is also generating wider economic opportunities for the region, the official statement said.
Senior naval officers present at 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.
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