Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy's first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar, Karnataka on October 16, 2026. The vessel represents a significant milestone in India's defence manufacturing capabilities with over 75% indigenous content, reflecting the country's growing self-reliance in defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
INS Samarthak will serve as a versatile platform for trials and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors, and emerging technologies. Its operational capabilities include maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, launch and recovery of targets, operations involving unmanned systems, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. The vessel will enable the Navy to rapidly adapt to technological developments and translate indigenous innovation into operational capabilities.
The commissioning highlights the strategic importance of Karwar, whose deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea make it a vital component of India's maritime security architecture. The ongoing development of modern naval infrastructure under Project Seabird is enhancing the Navy's capacity to base and sustain ships and submarines while generating economic opportunities for the region.
The project demonstrates the growing partnership between the Indian Navy, defence public sector undertakings, private shipyards like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), DRDO, academia, MSMEs, and start-ups in strengthening India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. Senior naval officials including Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (Chief of the Naval Staff), Vice-Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan (Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief), and Rear Admiral G. K. Harish (Head of Shipbuilding, L&T) were present at the commissioning ceremony.