VP Radhakrishnan Commissions INS Samarthak at Karwar
India’s first indigenous multi-purpose vessel, featuring over 75% indigenous content, strengthens naval capabilities and defence self-reliance.
- Vice-President commissions INS Samarthak at Karwar
- Vessel features over 75% indigenous content
- Platform supports trials, surveillance and unmanned systems
- Project strengthens India’s naval self-reliance
GG News Bureau
Karwar, 16th Oct: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous multi-purpose vessel, at Karwar in Karnataka, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and naval capabilities.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the vessel, with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, reflected the growing strength of India’s industrial, technological and shipbuilding sectors. He said self-reliance in defence was increasingly becoming a reality, supporting the country’s strategic autonomy and the vision of a developed and self-reliant India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
INS Samarthak will serve as a versatile platform for the testing and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies. Its capabilities will also support maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, target launch and recovery, unmanned systems operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
The Vice-President commended the Indian Navy for protecting the country’s maritime interests and sovereignty. He highlighted its role in anti-piracy operations, evacuating Indian citizens from crisis-hit areas, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Indian Ocean Region.
Radhakrishnan also underscored the strategic importance of Karwar, whose deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea make it an important naval hub. He noted that the ongoing development of naval infrastructure under Project Seabird would strengthen the Navy’s ability to base and sustain ships and submarines while creating economic opportunities for the region.
The commissioning also highlighted the growing role of India’s private shipbuilding industry and collaboration between the Navy, defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), academic institutions, MSMEs and start-ups. The Vice-President appreciated Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for its contribution to the project and acknowledged the efforts of engineers, technicians, shipyard professionals and suppliers.
Senior naval officials, including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, along with officers from the Ministry of Defence and representatives associated with the vessel’s construction, attended the commissioning ceremony.
