Indian Navy must ensure security of critical sea lanes, choke points along with coastlines: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Hyderabad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said there is a need to move beyond traditional perspective on maritime security of only securing coastlines and also ensure critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure that are inextricably linked to our national interests.

He was speaking at Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam after commssioing the newly developed stealth frigate INS Taragiri at naval dockyard.

Singh said that in the modern digital era, the vast majority of the world's data travels through undersea internet cables, and any damage to them could disrupt global order.

He called to move beyond a traditional perspective on maritime security and view it through a comprehensive, future-ready framework.

“We must not limit ourselves to safeguarding our coastlines; we must also ensure the security of critical sea lanes, choke points, and digital infrastructure that are inextricably linked to our national interests. The Indian Navy is proactively engaged in all these security endeavors. This approach prepares us for future challenges. Whenever India constructs and deploys advanced vessels such as INS Taragiri, it serves as a guarantee of peace and prosperity for the entire region,” he said.

He asserted that India, with a coastline stretching over 11,000 kilometers, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and it cannot view its development in isolation from the ocean.

He added that approximately 95 per cent of the country’s trade is conducted via maritime routes, and energy security is dependent on the sea, which makes building a strong and capable Navy not merely an option, but an absolute necessity.

Highlighting the immense significance of the maritime domain in the evolving security landscape, the defence minister said that the Indian Navy maintains a round-the-clock presence across the Indian Ocean region amidst the global uncertainties.

“The vast expanse of the ocean contains numerous sensitive points, where our Navy has consistently maintained an active presence to ensure the smooth flow of goods. Whenever tensions flare, the Indian Navy steps-in to guarantee the security of commercial vessels and oil tankers. It is not only safeguarding India's national interests, but is also prepared to take every necessary measure to protect our citizens and trade routes across the globe. It is this capability that firmly establishes India as a responsible and formidable maritime power,” he said.

Singh also pointed out that whenever a crisis arises, be it evacuation operations or humanitarian assistance, the Indian Navy invariably stands at the forefront, serving as a symbol of India's core values and unwavering commitment. “INS Taragiri will further augment the strength, values, and commitment of our Navy,” he said.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to make the Indian Navy one of the world’s strongest, backed by an indigenous industry, he said that defence manufacturing in the country is marching ahead as a national mission under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

“Today, we’re no longer confined to fulfilling our own requirements; we’re actively securing our place within the global supply chain. India's participation is integral at every stage - from design and development to final deployment. It gives us confidence that we possess the capability to design not only our own security but also our future. INS Taragiri stands as an embodiment of this very vision,” he said.

Taragiri can carry BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles

A masterclass in modern naval shipbuilding, the latest stealth frigate INS Taragiri, with a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes, has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, with the support of MSMEs, for multi-role operations. It utilises advanced stealth technology to achieve a significantly reduced radar signature, providing a lethal edge in contested environments.

The ship is capable of high-speed transit and can remain deployed at sea for extended periods.

It is equipped with systems designed to monitor enemy movements, ensure its own security, and if necessary, deliver an immediate response. It features modern radar, sonar, and missile systems, such as BrahMos and surface-to-air missiles, which further augment its operational prowess.

From high-intensity combat to maritime security, anti-piracy operations, coastal surveillance, and humanitarian missions, it fits perfectly into every role, making it a unique naval platform.

This frigate represents a generational leap over earlier designs, offering a sleeker form and a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section that allows it to operate with lethal stealth.

With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, the ship highlights the maturity of a domestic industrial ecosystem that now spans over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the Government’s Aatmanirbharta initiative, supporting thousands of Indian jobs.

The ship’s combat punch is world class, featuring a lethal array of supersonic Surface-to-Surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air missiles, and an advanced indigenous Anti-Submarine suite. In an evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape, this commissioning sends an important geopolitical signal: India is now a premier builder of complex warships, capable of maintaining a credible posture to deter potential adversaries and contribute to collective regional stability.