INS Kalvari is a prime example of ‘Make in India,’ says PM Modi

The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi commissioned INS Kalvari (S-21), the first of the six Scorpene-class submarines being constructed at Mazagon Docks Ltd., in collaboration with the French builder M/s Naval Group.under Project 75 (Kalvari Class), into the Indian Navy at a grand ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on 14 December 2017.

Who attended the ceremony?

Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, Raksha Mantri, Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, National Security Advisior, Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, Commodore Rakesh Anand (Retd.), CMD, MDL, Commodore Subra-Manian (Retd.), Commanding Officer of erstwhile Kalvari (a Soviet Foxtrot class submarine) and a host of other dignitaries were also present to witness this historic occasion.  

Addresses at the ceremony

The Prime Minister described INS Kalvari as a prime example of ‘Make in India’ and commended all those involved in its manufacture.

As the submarine as an excellent illustration of the fast-growing strategic partnership between India and France, PM Modi said that the skill-set accumulated during the manufacture of INS Kalvari is an asset for India.

Congratulating the MDL for restarting the production line of submarines once again, Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman, the Raksha Mantri thanked the Yard workers, emphasized the need to avoid episodic starts and stops in the industry and maintain a pool of skills needed to build high technology platforms within the country,

Welcoming the gathering, Admiral Sunil Lanba stated that Commissioning of Kalvari is a testimony of our resolve and these achievements are a result of the Indian Navy’s proactive and integrated approach to achieving self-reliance, the Admiral said.

What all came about in the ceremony?

The Commissioning Warrant of the submarine was read out by the Commanding Officer, Captain SD Mehendale followed by hoisting of the Naval Ensign onboard for the first time. Finally, ‘Breaking of the Commissioning Pennant’ with the National Anthem being played, marked the completion of the Commissioning Ceremony.    

How will INS Kalvari be operated?

INS Kalvari is manned by a team comprising 08 officers and 35 sailors with Captain SD Mehendale at the helm as her first Commanding Officer. The commissioning will augment the offensive capability of the Indian Navy, and the Western Naval Command in particular.