‘Without Maritime Capability, No Country Can Become A Major Power’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the tri-commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in West Bengal.

The induction of these three warships marked a major milestone in strengthening India’s naval power and advancing its maritime capabilities.

The event coincided with International Yoga Day and World Hydrography Day, giving the programme additional national and global significance.

Bengal’s Maritime Legacy

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Today is special in many ways. The whole world is celebrating International Day of Yoga. I am happy that on this occasion I got the opportunity to come to the soil of Bengal. This land has given new direction and momentum to India’s ideology and progress, and for centuries, it has connected India to the world through sea routes. Today, on this soil, programmes related to a self-reliant India and Viksit Bharat are being conducted.”

PM Modi emphasised that West Bengal has historically contributed to India’s maritime connections. He also said the state continues to play an important role in national development.

The Prime Minister formally commissioned the vessels and said, “INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak are being included in the Indian Navy.”

PM Modi also highlighted India’s hydrographic capabilities and said, “Today is also being celebrated as World Hydrography Day. India’s most advanced hydrographic survey ship, INS Sanshodhak, has been commissioned.”

PM Modi underlined the importance of sea power, stating, “The world is witnessing that without maritime capability, no country can become a major power. Oceans are linked with development and security. Today, most global trade moves through sea routes, and even data networks pass through deep-sea cables. Future resources, including new energy sources, will also be connected through the oceans. Therefore, the nation with a strong maritime capability will have a strong economy. India understands this clearly and is preparing itself accordingly.”

The Prime Minister also referred to India’s naval achievements, adding, “When INS Vikrant was dedicated to the nation, India showcased its maritime capability. From INS Vikrant till today, this journey reflects India’s growing self-reliance.”

Defence Self-Reliance

The Prime Minister stressed that India is transforming its defence ecosystem, stating, “India today does not want to remain just a buyer. Our armed forces cannot be dependent only on global markets. India wants to become a creator. The day we become a creator, we will also become decisive in shaping global outcomes. In this direction, India is progressing rapidly.”

PM Modi further noted naval expansion, saying, “Every few weeks, the Indian Navy is getting new strength. At present, around 45 major naval platforms are under construction. This is not just a number but proof of India’s industrial capability.”

Highlighting economic benefits, PM Modi stated, “In the coming days, India’s maritime sector will generate employment for lakhs of people. That is why we do not see it as an isolated sector but as an employment engine for Viksit Bharat.”

The Prime Minister concluded, “In a modern ship, tonnes of steel, electronics and machinery are required, and behind this, thousands of companies work, creating jobs for youth. More than 200 MSMEs have contributed to the construction of these three ships, and one can imagine how many jobs this ecosystem has created. Now is the time for India to step into the next level of maritime development.”

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