Indian Navy Commissions Two Indigenous Warships to Expand Fleet

The Indian Navy commissioned two indigenously built warships in July 2026: the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri and the submarine hunter INS Malvan. These additions align with a strategic objective to expand the naval fleet to over 200 ships by 2035, a move intended to counter naval growth from China and the introduction of Chinese-built submarines in Pakistan.

The INS Mahendragiri, the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class fleet, was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and designed by the Indian Navy Warship Design Bureau. The vessel features 75% indigenous content, reflecting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative pushed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase self-reliance in the defense sector.

To sustain this momentum, the Government of India previously introduced a US$8.4 billion maritime revival package. This funding aims to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. While the country is increasing the domestic production of patrol vessels, frigates, and corvettes, it continues to seek selective technology transfers from the United States, Russia, Israel, and France for critical weapons systems and propulsion technology.