INS Samarthak commissioned at Karwar, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishan terms it a milestone in self-reliant defence manufacturing

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, its first indigenously built multi-purpose vessel, at the Karwar Naval Base on Friday (October 16), with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan describing the induction as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Presiding over the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the vessel, with more than 75% indigenous content, reflected the growing industrial, technological and shipbuilding capabilities of the country. Its induction had given a major boost to the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said.

Recalling India’s rich maritime heritage, the Vice-President referred to the naval traditions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Cholas, who had played a significant role in extending India’s maritime influence across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

He commended the Indian Navy for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and maritime interests and highlighted its role in anti-piracy operations, evacuating Indian nationals from conflict zones, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

INS Samarthak would serve as a versatile platform for the testing and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and other technologies developed indigenously. It could also be deployed for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, operations involving unmanned systems and disaster relief, he said.

Mr. Radhakrishnan highlighted the strategic importance of Karwar, citing its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea. The development of modern naval infrastructure under Project Seabird would enable the stationing of more ships and submarines and contribute to the region’s economic growth, he said.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration among the Navy, defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, academic institutions, small and medium enterprises and start-ups, he said such partnerships were strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. He also commended Larsen & Toubro (L&T), along with the engineers, technicians and other personnel involved in building the vessel.

Designed and built by L&T Shipyard, INS Samarthak is the first of two multi-purpose vessels being constructed for the Navy. Its commissioning marks a significant step in expanding the role of India’s private shipbuilding industry in the development of indigenous naval platforms. The vessel has been designed to undertake a range of operational, developmental and evaluation tasks. Its modular construction and pre-outfitting have helped optimise the construction process and timelines.

The ceremony was attended by Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice-Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, and Rear-Admiral Vikram Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka.

Retired Rear-Admiral G.K. Harish, head of L&T’s shipbuilding division, and INS Samarthak’s Commanding Officer, Commander Sushil Kumar Singh, were among the other senior naval and Defence Ministry officials present.