NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 16: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday said self-reliance in defence manufacturing was no longer merely an aspiration but was emerging as a reality, strengthening India’s strategic autonomy and advancing the vision of a developed and self-reliant nation.
Addressing a gathering after commissioning INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar in Karnataka, 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 capabilities.
He said the development marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build indigenous naval capabilities and reduce dependence on external sources for defence requirements.
Radhakrishnan said the Indian Navy remained ever-vigilant and combat-ready to safeguard the country’s maritime interests. He commended the force for its distinguished service in protecting national sovereignty and maritime security.
Highlighting the Navy’s wider role in the Indian Ocean Region, he appreciated its contribution as a first responder and a preferred security partner, including through anti-piracy operations, evacuation of Indian citizens and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
The Vice-President said INS Samarthak would serve as a versatile platform for the trials and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies. The vessel would also support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, the launch and recovery of targets, unmanned systems operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.
He observed that such a platform would help the Navy adapt more rapidly to emerging technological developments and translate indigenous innovation into operational capabilities.
Referring to India’s maritime heritage, Radhakrishnan recalled the naval traditions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Chola dynasty, which extended India’s maritime influence across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of Karwar, noting that its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea made it a vital component of India’s maritime security architecture.
The Vice-President said the ongoing development of modern naval infrastructure under Project Seabird was enhancing the Navy’s capacity to base and sustain ships and submarines while generating wider economic opportunities for the region.
He underscored the importance of cooperation among the Indian Navy, defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), academia, micro, small and medium enterprises, and start-ups in strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Appreciating Larsen & Toubro for its contribution to the project, he acknowledged the efforts of naval designers, production authorities, shipyard professionals, engineers, technicians, suppliers and ancillary industries in developing indigenous naval capabilities.
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); retired Rear Admiral G. K. Harish, Head of Shipbuilding at L&T; and Commander Sushil Kumar Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Samarthak, were among those present at the commissioning ceremony, along with senior officers of the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence.
