Indian Navy Welcomes INS Mahe, Enhancing Coastal Security

The Indian Navy has commissioned the INS Mahe, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing India’s coastal security. This vessel, part of the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft, was officially inducted during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on November 24, 2023. The commissioning signifies a significant advancement in the Navy’s readiness for littoral operations, aimed at countering underwater threats close to shore.

During the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff, attended as the chief guest. He emphasized the necessity of tri-service collaboration, highlighting how the commissioning of INS Mahe reflects India’s growing technological capabilities. General Dwivedi noted that the Navy has transformed into a “Builders’ Navy,” with over three-quarters of its capital platforms sourced from domestic manufacturers. This shift underscores the increasing importance of Indian shipyards, both public and private, as central to the country’s advanced defense manufacturing landscape.

In his address to the crew of INS Mahe, General Dwivedi urged them to embody the ship’s spirit and maintain discipline. He reminded them that the true strength of a vessel lies in the sailors aboard, whose vigilance serves as the nation’s safeguard. He reaffirmed that their commitment ensures the Tricolour continues to fly proudly on the high seas.

Reflecting on recent military operations, General Dwivedi mentioned Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He highlighted the effectiveness of joint military operations across land, sea, and air, demonstrating the unified operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. He stated that INS Mahe now carries the collective trust of the nation as it sets out on its mission.

INS Mahe has been constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The vessel combines a compact design with advanced anti-submarine warfare systems, crucial for maintaining dominance in coastal and shallow-water environments. Named after the historic coastal enclave of Mahe, the ship bears a crest featuring the ‘Urumi’—the flexible sword of Kalarippayattu—symbolizing precision, agility, and combat readiness.

A naval official highlighted that INS Mahe is engineered for submarine hunting, coastal patrol, and the protection of vital maritime routes. With its blend of stealth, speed, and firepower, the vessel adds a formidable asset to India’s maritime security framework, reinforcing the Navy’s capabilities in safeguarding the nation’s interests at sea.

The commissioning of INS Mahe not only strengthens India’s defense posture but also signifies a broader commitment to indigenous naval power, demonstrating the country’s resolve to enhance its operational readiness in an increasingly complex maritime environment.