INS Samarthak commissioned at Karwar, Vice President CP Radhakrishan considers it a milestone in self-sustaining defense manufacturing

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan poses for a group photo with Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and others during the commissioning of INS Samarthak at Karwar Naval Base on Friday (October 16). | Photo credit: ANI

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, its first home-grown multi-role vessel, at the Karwar Naval Base on Friday (16 October), with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan describing the launch as a major milestone on India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

Presiding over the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the vessel, with more than 75% original content, reflects the growing industrial, technological and shipbuilding capabilities of the country. Its launch has given a big boost to the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said.

The Vice President recalled India’s rich maritime heritage and referred to the maritime traditions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Cholas, who played a significant role in expanding India’s maritime influence across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

He praised the Indian Navy for protecting the country’s sovereignty and maritime interests and highlighted its role in anti-piracy operations, evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict zones and provision of humanitarian and disaster relief.

INS Samarthak would serve as a versatile platform for testing and evaluating next-generation weapons, sensors and other indigenously developed technologies. It could also be deployed for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, operations involving unmanned systems and disaster relief, he said.

Mr. Radhakrishnan highlighted the strategic importance of Karwar citing its deep natural harbor and proximity to the Arabian Sea. According to him, the development of modern maritime infrastructure within the framework of the Seabird project would allow the location of more ships and submarines and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Navy, Defense Public Sector Undertakings, Private Shipyards, Defense Research and Development Organisation, Academic Institutions, SMEs and Start-Ups and said that these partnerships are strengthening India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem. He also praised Larsen & Toubro (L&T) along with engineers, technicians and other personnel involved in the construction of the vessel.

Designed and built by L&T Shipyard, INS Samarthak is the first of two multipurpose vessels constructed for the Navy. Its commissioning marks a significant step in expanding the role of India’s private shipbuilding industry in the development of indigenous maritime platforms. The vessel was designed to perform a variety of operational, development and evaluation tasks. Its modular construction and pre-outfitting helped optimize the construction process and timeline.

The ceremony was attended by Karnataka Labor Minister Santosh Lad, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Commander-in-Chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, Commander Flakram Menn.Ad.

Retired Rear Admiral GK Harish, Head of Shipbuilding Division of L&T, and Commanding Officer of INS Samarthak, Commander Sushil Kumar Singh, were among other senior officials from the Navy and Ministry of Defence.

Published – 16 Oct 2026 20:33 IST