Modi calls India’s triple naval launch a mark of 'self-reliance'

New Delhi is expanding its armed forces to modernize its mostly Soviet-era weaponry and respond to what many in India see as a growing threat from neighboring China.

Modi, wearing a naval baseball cap, delivered a speech at the triple commissioning ceremony in Mumbai for a frigate, a guided missile destroyer, and a submarine.

"India is now becoming a major maritime power of the world," "The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence, and augment our quest towards self-reliance,"

India has accelerated efforts to expand its naval fleet, focusing on building vessels domestically. The country plans to increase the number of warships and submarines from around 150 to 170 over the next decade.

India and China, the world's two most populous nations, are competing for strategic influence across South Asia.

In 2024, India spent an all-time high of approximately $15 billion on domestic defence manufacturing, according to the defence ministry—an increase of 17% compared to the previous year. However, New Delhi remains one of the largest arms importers in the world. Modi's Hindu-nationalist government has intensified efforts to reduce dependence on Russia, its primary military hardware supplier for decades. New Delhi has also signed major arms-purchasing deals and approved India-based defence production ventures with countries including the United States, Israel, and Spain.

India is also in talks with Paris for multibillion-dollar deals to purchase French-made Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines.

Vineet Sharma, Commander of the diesel-powered submarine INS Vagsheer, said the triple commission "speaks volumes" about India's shipbuilding capabilities and its navy's ability to operate the vessels effectively.

"India is a maritime nation," Sharma added.

"You require a strong navy, which can ensure that the maritime interests are always secured."

Sandeep Shorey, Captain of the newly commissioned destroyer INS Surat—a 164-metre (538-feet) long vessel, which the navy boasts as its "first AI-enabled warship"—said the show of force was a demonstration of India’s growing naval strength.

"If you want to be seen on the world stage... there is no other option but to show your presence at sea."