New Delhi, Oct 16: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar, marking a milestone in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Addressing the gathering, 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 self-reliance in defence was no longer merely an aspiration but an emerging reality, contributing to India’s strategic autonomy and the vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
INS Samarthak will serve as a versatile platform for the trials and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies. It will also support maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, launch and recovery of targets, unmanned systems operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Vice President Radhakrishnan said the vessel would help the Navy adapt more rapidly to emerging technologies and translate indigenous innovation into operational capabilities.
Highlighting the Navy’s role in safeguarding national sovereignty and maritime interests, he commended its contributions as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, including anti-piracy operations, evacuation of Indian citizens and disaster relief missions.
He also highlighted Karwar’s strategic importance, citing its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea. The ongoing development of naval infrastructure under Project Seabird, he said, was strengthening the Navy’s capacity to base and sustain ships and submarines while creating economic opportunities for the region. The Vice-President appreciated the contribution of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to the project and acknowledged the efforts of naval designers, engineers, shipyard professionals, suppliers and ancillary industries in strengthening indigenous naval capabilities. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, senior Navy officers and representatives of the Ministry of Defence and L&T were present at the commissioning ceremony.
