Navy

New Delhi: DSC A24, the fifth ship of five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched on 01 Aug 2026 at Titagarh, Kolkata (WB) by Mrs Kamal Singh in presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel. The event was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour, in presence of senior officials from Indian Navy and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL).

The construction of Diving Support Craft is being undertaken by M/s TRSL, Kolkata. Featuring a catamaran-hull form and an approximate displacement in range of 300 to 400 tons, these ships offer superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved sea-keeping characteristics, which make them suitable for undertaking Diving operations. Designed and built in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

With induction of these ships, the Indian Navy’s capabilities in Diving Support, Underwater Inspection, Salvage Assistance, and Coastal Operational Deployment will be augmented. With 70 percent of main and auxiliary equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers, Diving Support Craft are proud flag bearers of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative of Government of India (GoI)/ Ministry of the Defence (MoD).

New Delhi: ‘Nipun’ the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 Jul 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

‘Nipun’ draws her name from Sanskrit signifying ‘one who is adept, capable, and well versed in a particular discipline’. True to the name, the ship is highly specialised and is capable of undertaking deep sea dive operations and rescue operations at sea.

The ship is installed with state-of-the-art Dive Equipment and has capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving. A side diving stage has also been provided for undertaking Diving Operations. The Remotely Operated Vehicles further enhance the ship’s operational capabilities by facilitating diver monitoring and salvage operations. In addition, the ship would also serve as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), to evacuate personnel in case of an emergency in a submarine.

Nipun’s delivery is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous Shipbuilding upholding the Government’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with nearly 75 percent Indigenous Content. The delivery marks a major step in bolstering the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the niche domain of Deep Sea Dive Operations.

New Delhi: Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy, was launched on 29 Jul 2026 by Mrs. Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of Department of Military Affairs. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and other distinguished guests.

Machilipatnam carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historic port city of Machilipatnam, in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich maritime legacy and flourishing trade along India’s eastern seaboard. The ship proudly embodies the spirit and legacy of Machilipatnam while reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

The ship is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), along with Mine Warfare capability. The ship will further bolster coastal defence and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.

The launch of Machilipatnam marks another milestone in the successful execution of the ASW SWC project and reaffirms India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. With indigenous content exceeding 80 percent, the project showcases the growing capability of the Indian shipbuilding industry and will substantially enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness for safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

New Delhi: INS Sudarshini, the sail training ship of the Indian Navy, departed Boston, USA on 25 Jul 2026, as part of ongoing Lokayan 26. During her stay, the ship proudly represented India at the prestigious SAIL 250 celebrations and the International Naval Review 250, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage while strengthening maritime partnerships through professional and cultural engagements.

The ship participated in SAIL 250 events at Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston, and hosted dignitaries, members of the Indian diaspora, and international naval delegations, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and friendship.

INS Sudarshini has now set course for Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal). The ship continues to serve as a beacon of India’s maritime strength, professionalism, and goodwill on the global stage.

New Delhi: INS Malvan, the second of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned at Karwar on 22 Jul 2026. The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Other senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, veterans, and distinguished guests were also in attendance.

The ship carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historical coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, a region intrinsically linked to the illustrious maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The vessel also encapsulates the legacy of her predecessor, an inshore Indian Naval Minesweeper that remained in service till 2003.

INS Malvan is the second of eight ASW-SWCs, being indigenously built by CSL, Kochi, and the sixth of 16 ASW-SWCs to be commissioned into Indian Navy. With over 80 percent indigenous content, the ship reinforces the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s expanding ecosystem of naval design, equipment, system integration, and growing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.

The vessel is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) along with Mine Warfare capability. The vessel will further bolster coastal defence, littoral security, and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.

The crest of INS Malvan carries the ‘Bagh Nakha’ (Tiger’s Claw), symbolising bravery, warfare tactics, agility, and audacity, resonating with the ship’s ethos to attack rapidly and strike silently. 

The waves surrounding ‘Bagh Nakha’ reflect the vast sea surrounding the coasts and the Indian Navy’s unwavering resolve to remain ever vigilant, ever ready, and steadfast in safeguarding the nation’s seas and sovereignty. The ship’s motto, ‘Silent Claws’, embodies lethality, stealth, and the ability to strike the adversary swiftly.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff emphasised the critical importance of safeguarding sea lines of communication to ensure unimpeded maritime trade amid global uncertainties. He lauded the Indian Navy’s impressive growth and its commitment to the Aatmanirbhar initiative, specifically highlighting the warship’s over 80 percent indigenous content.

Drawing inspiration from the Indian Navy’s model of embedding officers directly into the shipbuilding process, he suggested that similar practices could accelerate self-reliance across the broader defence ecosystem. He also reaffirmed the vision of tri-service integration, calling for seamless jointness among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force to ensure the nation succeeds as one unified force in future conflicts.

The commissioning of INS Malvan adds a significant punch to the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities. With the ability to operate seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets, induction of INS Malvan enables the Indian Navy to remain Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready to ensure national security and safeguard India’s maritime interests at all times and at all locations.

New Delhi: Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement, commenced at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 20 Jul 2026. Hosted by the Southern Naval Command, the engagement is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), in partnership with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators and four International Organisations, and Subject Matter Experts.

The exercise marks the maiden conduct of Operation Southern Readiness in India and represents an important milestone in the growing engagement between the Indian Navy and CMF. CTF 154, CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force, is presently commanded by the Indian Navy and is focused on strengthening capacity, interoperability and professional readiness of CMF Partner Nations through multinational maritime training.

The Opening Ceremony featured opening remarks by Cmde Milind M Mokashi, Commander CTF 154, inaugural address by Cmde Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, and keynote address by RAdm Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command. The addresses underscored the importance of professional training, shared learning, and multinational cooperation in addressing contemporary maritime security challenges.

The opening day, broadly themed around the subject of Ship Management and Special Training, combined professional interaction with Subject Matter Experts and practical exposure. A session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) addressed maritime security threats in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. This was followed by hands-on exposure on Ship Handling, Navigation, Astro Navigation, Maritime Distress Communication Systems, and Damage Control and Firefighting utilising Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art simulators and associated training infrastructure.

Over the next three days, participants will continue with a diverse programme of professional sessions, simulator-based training and practical activities covering key aspects of contemporary maritime security. The engagement reflects the Indian Navy-CMF partnership in advancing regional capacity building, interoperability, and collective maritime security while promoting professional exchange and stronger relationships among participating nations. Conduct of Operation Southern Readiness by the Southern Naval Command further augments the role of the Indian Navy as the Preferred Security and Training Partner in the region.

New Delhi: Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Boston on 12 Jul 2026 after her successful participation in the Sail4th 250 celebrations at New York. The ship took part in the Grand Parade of Sails, marking the commencement of Sail Boston 2026.

Shri Raghuram Sastry, Consul General of India in Boston, embarked INS Sudarshini for the Grand Parade of Sails and the ship’s ceremonial entry into Boston. Sailing proudly with the Indian Tricolour, INS Sudarshini passed prominent landmarks including Castle Island and the Seaport District before berthing at Boston Fish Pier.

Joining an international fleet of over 60 tall ships from more than 20 nations, INS Sudarshini is representing India as a maritime ambassador of goodwill during her ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition. Reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, international goodwill and cultural exchange, the ship will remain open to visitors from 12 to 15 Jul 2026.

Following successful port calls at Norfolk, Baltimore, and New York, INS Sudarshini’s participation in Sail Boston 2026 further strengthens the growing India–US maritime partnership and showcases India’s rich seafaring heritage on the global stage.

• Future conflicts could emerge in unforeseen forms; Soldiers must remain ready
• Govt is committed to equipping defence forces with world-class weaponry

New Delhi: “India stands as the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh as he commended the Indian Navy for safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and upholding the Tricolour amid an increasingly complex global security environment. He was addressing naval personnel in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 10, 2026, during Barakhana on the eve of the commissioning of Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region, Raksha Mantri stated that over 90 per cent of India’s trade by volume passes through maritime routes, while the country’s energy security, Exclusive Economic Zone and island territories make maritime security central to its economic growth and national interests.

He emphasised that increasing geopolitical competition and the growing presence of extra-regional powers have underscored the need for heightened maritime vigilance. “In such a situation, the Indian Navy is protecting India’s maritime borders, securing vital sea lanes and upholding the country’s interests across the region,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh described India as the largest and most responsible stakeholder in the Indian Ocean Region, and reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability, and a secure maritime environment. “The region is our courtyard, and securing the courtyard is our responsibility,” he added.

Raksha Mantri underlined the progress being made towards achieving self-reliance, terming the commissioning of Mahendragiri as another shining example of India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities. While he credited the valour, commitment and patriotism of the defence forces for protecting the nation from threats and challenges, he urged the soldiers to continue upgrading their skills, master cutting-edge technologies, and remain prepared to address the changing character of modern warfare.

Stressing that the nature of warfare is evolving rapidly, Shri Rajnath Singh said that future conflicts could emerge in new and unforeseen forms. He urged the soldiers to remain physically and mentally prepared, continuously upgrade their skills, and master emerging technologies.

“There are conflicts that are fought without a formal declaration of war. The adversary of tomorrow may not look like the adversary of the past. The Government will leave no stone unturned to provide the soldiers with the world’s best weaponry, technology and resources. But weapons alone do not win wars; it is the people who wield them that do,” he added.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla and other senior officers of the Indian Navy were present on the occasion.

New Delhi: Indian Naval Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at New York, USA, on 08 Jul 2026, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition. The visit showcased India’s rich maritime heritage while further strengthening the strategic and cultural partnership between India and the United States.

As part of the Indian Navy’s 10-month transoceanic deployment, the indigenously built three-masted barque represented India at the International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations, organised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. A major highlight of the visit was INS Sudarshini’s participation in the spectacular Parade of Sail, during which the ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty and along the Hudson River, proudly flying the Indian National Flag alongside an impressive fleet of international tall ships and naval vessels.

During her stay at Brooklyn, INS Sudarshini served as a floating ambassador of India, welcoming over 1,000 visitors on board, including members of the Indian diaspora, local residents, and maritime enthusiasts. Visitors were provided an insight into the Indian Navy’s sail training traditions and India’s rich maritime heritage.

The ship also hosted several distinguished visitors, including the Consul General of India in New York, Shri Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Shri Parvathaneni Harish. They interacted with the crew and appreciated the ship’s role in promoting India’s maritime legacy and strengthening people-to-people and maritime ties between the two countries.

A State Dinner hosted on board brought together senior diplomats, military officials and distinguished guests, providing an opportunity to further reinforce the growing India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Following the successful completion of all engagements, INS Sudarshini departed the Port of New York for Boston, where she will participate in the forthcoming Sail Boston 2026 celebrations. The ship continues to carry the Indian Navy’s message of friendship, maritime cooperation and goodwill across the oceans as part of the Lokayan 2026 expedition.