Karwar: The Indian Navy has added a new indigenous platform at Karwar that will do much more than conventional maritime duties, with INS Samarthak designed to test and evaluate next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies before they are translated into operational capability.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan commissioned INS Samarthak, the Navy’s first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar on Friday. Built with more than 75% indigenous content, the vessel was described by the Vice-President as an example of India’s expanding industrial, technological and shipbuilding capability.
The ship is expected to serve as a versatile trials and evaluation platform for new-generation naval systems, including weapons and sensors, while also supporting operations involving unmanned systems.
Its operational role will extend to maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, launch and recovery of targets, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Radhakrishnan said a platform of this nature would allow the Navy to respond more rapidly to technological change and help turn indigenous innovation into operational capability.
More Than a Conventional Naval Vessel
The commissioning of INS Samarthak places technology evaluation at the centre of the vessel’s role.
Unlike a platform designed around a single operational function, the Multi-Purpose Vessel is intended to support a range of missions and serve as a test platform for emerging naval technologies.
The Vice-President said its more than 75% indigenous content reflected the growing strength of India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
He said self-reliance in defence was increasingly becoming a reality and linked the development to India’s strategic autonomy and the vision of a developed and self-reliant country.
Private Shipbuilding Takes Larger Naval Role
Radhakrishnan also highlighted the growing role of India’s private shipbuilding sector in creating naval capability.
He appreciated Larsen & Toubro for its contribution to INS Samarthak and acknowledged the work of naval designers, production authorities, shipyard professionals, engineers, technicians, suppliers and ancillary industries associated with the project.
The Vice-President said collaboration among the Indian Navy, defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards, DRDO, academia, MSMEs and start-ups was strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
INS Samarthak, therefore, also reflects a model in which naval capability is increasingly being developed through a wider network of public institutions, private industry and technology partners.
Karwar’s Role in Navy’s Expansion
The Vice-President placed the commissioning in the context of Karwar’s growing strategic importance.
He said Karwar’s deep natural harbour and its proximity to the Arabian Sea make it an important component of India’s maritime security architecture.
Modern naval infrastructure being developed under Project Seabird is increasing the Navy’s capacity to base and sustain ships and submarines at Karwar, he said.
Radhakrishnan added that the infrastructure expansion was also creating broader economic opportunities for the region.
He described Karwar as a place that represents both India’s maritime heritage and its maritime future.
Navy’s Maritime Role Highlighted
The Vice-President commended the Indian Navy for safeguarding India’s sovereignty and maritime interests and described it as vigilant and combat-ready.
He also referred to the Navy’s role as a first responder and security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
Its activities cited during the programme included anti-piracy operations, evacuation of Indian citizens and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Radhakrishnan also recalled India’s maritime traditions, including those associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Chola dynasty, whose maritime influence extended across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff; Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief; Vice-Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller Warship Production and Acquisition; Rear Admiral Vikram Menon, Flag Officer (Karnataka); retired Rear Admiral G. K. Harish, Head of Shipbuilding at L&T; Commander Sushil Kumar Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Samarthak; and senior officers of the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence were present.
