INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy, Strengthening Maritime Capabilities and India-Russia Ties

Kaliningrad, Russia: The Indian Navy welcomed its latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil (F 70), into its fleet today. The commissioning ceremony at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad was graced by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, who hailed the event as a milestone in India’s maritime strength and a testament to the deep and enduring partnership between India and Russia.

In his address, Rajnath Singh emphasized the collaborative spirit between the two nations. “INS Tushil is a proud example of the synergy between Indian and Russian industries, showcasing India’s journey towards technological self-reliance under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he remarked. He praised Russia’s support in increasing Indian content in naval projects, calling it a testament to the shared values and strategic partnership between the countries.

Highlighting the operational and technical collaboration between the Indian and Russian Navies, Singh stated that the relationship has reached new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rajnath Singh reiterated the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He outlined its role as a net security provider, tackling piracy, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking, and ensuring maritime trade safety from the Gulf of Oman to Madagascar. He further highlighted the Navy’s preparedness to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to regional partners.

The Raksha Mantri underscored the Indian Navy’s alignment with the Prime Minister’s SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region), calling it the backbone of India’s maritime policy. “SAGAR is a symbol of India’s commitment to collective security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development, and we deeply value Russia’s consistent support in this vision,” he said.

Looking ahead, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence in the growing India-Russia partnership, envisioning collaboration in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Space Exploration, and Counter-Terrorism. “Together, we will not only strengthen existing areas of cooperation but also explore new frontiers of innovation and shared expertise,” he asserted.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, congratulated all stakeholders for the seamless integration of Indian and Russian systems, calling it a benchmark for quality and capability.