Hon'ble President Launches Vindhyagiri: A Symbol of India's Maritime Ambitions

In a momentous and historic occasion that reverberated with national pride, the sleek and formidable Vindhyagiri, the sixth Stealth Frigate of Project 17A, gracefully took its maiden voyage today at the renowned Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) shipyard. This distinguished ceremony was graced by the presence of the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who performed the launch with grace and precision.

As Vindhyagiri descended into the majestic waters of the Hoogly River, a wave of euphoria and admiration swept through the assembled dignitaries, naval personnel, shipbuilders, and eager spectators. The vessel's impeccable design and commanding presence stood as a proud testament to India's growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding.

Among the distinguished guests were luminaries such as Shri CV Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, and Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, who joined Shri Ajay Bhatt, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, and several other esteemed officers from the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence in applauding this momentous achievement.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner of the Indian Navy, boasting a rich history of successful conventional launches. The launch of Vindhyagiri represents yet another significant milestone in GRSE's illustrious journey, underscoring the shipyard's unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier warships.

Project 17A Frigates are the embodiment of India's technological advancements, featuring enhanced stealth features, cutting-edge weapons and sensors, and state-of-the-art platform management systems. Currently, seven Project 17A Frigates are at various stages of construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and GRSE, showcasing the nation's prowess in warship design and manufacturing.

With the launch of Vindhyagiri, India's indigenous engineering capabilities receive a substantial boost. This accomplishment significantly reduces India’s reliance on foreign suppliers, fostering self-reliance and promoting the development of a robust defense industrial base. Notably, over 75% of the orders for Project 17A have been entrusted to indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), aligning seamlessly with the Government's vision of 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).

The Hon'ble President of India expressed profound satisfaction and heartfelt appreciation during the event. She praised the remarkable achievements of the Warship Design Bureau and other Naval Teams, underscoring their pivotal role in fulfilling the nation's aspiration for self-reliance in warship building. The President also lauded GRSE for its steadfast commitment to warship production, which has significantly elevated the Indian Navy's capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.

As Vindhyagiri embarks on its maiden voyage down the Hooghly, it symbolizes unwavering determination and the nation's cherished values. May this formidable warship serve as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to national security, our vision of a prosperous and secure future, and our relentless journey towards self-reliance.