Rajnath Singh commissions stealth frigate Taragiri in Visakhapatnam

In a significant stride for India’s maritime strength and defence self‑reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday formally commissioned the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Taragiri into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. The ceremony was attended by senior naval leadership and dignitaries, underscoring the ship’s strategic importance.

Taragiri, the fourth warship under the advanced Project 17A (Nilgiri‑class) programme, displaces about 6,670 tonnes and represents a major enhancement in India’s maritime combat capability. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai , the frigate features cutting‑edge stealth technology, yielding a significantly reduced radar signature, along with potent weapon systems and multi‑role versatility.

With over 75 % indigenous content , Taragiri highlights the growing maturity of the Indian defence industrial ecosystem, backed by contributions from more than 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The ship’s advanced systems include supersonic surface‑to‑surface missiles such as BrahMos , medium‑range surface‑to‑air missiles, anti‑submarine warfare suites, modern radars and a sophisticated combat management system for rapid, integrated response during operations.

Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, INS Taragiri can sustain high speeds and extended deployments, making it suitable for complex naval missions, from high‑intensity combat and strategic patrols to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

In his address at the commissioning, Mr Singh described the frigate as a symbol of India’s technological prowess, self‑reliance and growing naval power , noting that a strong and capable navy is indispensable for protecting India’s vast coastline, trade routes and maritime interests.

The induction of Taragiri not only strengthens India’s surface fleet but also reinforces its resolve to maintain a credible and self‑sustaining maritime force capable of safeguarding national interests in an increasingly dynamic Indo‑Pacific security environment.