Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 24: The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft, marking a major step toward bolstering India’s coastal security and enhancing the Navy’s readiness in littoral operations. The ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai highlighted the induction of a new generation of indigenous, high-agility combat platforms designed to counter underwater threats close to shore.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi attended as the chief guest, using the occasion to emphasise the importance of tri-service coordination. Calling the commissioning a testament to India’s growing technological prowess, he praised the Navy’s evolution into a true “Builders’ Navy,” with over three-quarters of its capital platforms now sourced domestically. He noted that Indian shipyards — both public and private — have become key drivers of advanced defence manufacturing, from warships and submarines to sonar and weapon systems.

Addressing the crew of INS Mahe, General Dwivedi urged them to uphold the ship’s spirit and discipline, reminding them that a vessel’s strength lies in the sailors who operate it. He reiterated that their vigilance safeguards the nation, ensuring the Tricolour continues to fly proudly at sea.

Reflecting on the recent Operation Sindoor, India’s strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Army Chief underscored how joint operations across land, sea and air underscore the military’s unified operational capability. INS Mahe, he said, now carries the collective trust of the nation as she begins her service.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, INS Mahe combines compact design with powerful anti-submarine warfare systems critical for coastal and shallow-water dominance. Named after the historic coastal enclave of Mahe, the vessel bears a crest featuring the ‘Urumi’ — the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu — symbolising precision, agility and combat readiness.

A Naval official noted that with its mix of stealth, speed and firepower, INS Mahe is engineered for submarine hunting, coastal patrol and safeguarding vital maritime routes, adding another formidable asset to India’s maritime security network.