The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel in the Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow-water craft series, significantly strengthening India’s coastal defence and expanding its operational capability in littoral waters. The ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marked the formal induction of a new generation of indigenous ASW platforms designed for rapid, close-coast deployment.
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presided over the commissioning as chief guest, highlighting the growing tri-service integration that he described as essential for safeguarding India’s national security interests across land, sea, and air. The event underscored the Navy’s continued advancement under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework, with a clear emphasis on indigenously designed and constructed platforms.
General Dwivedi noted that the induction of INS Mahe reflects India’s expanding technological capabilities, stating that the platform reinforces the Navy’s transformation into a force that both builds and sustains its own fleet. He cited that over 75 per cent of the Navy’s capital acquisitions are currently sourced from domestic industries, spanning warships, submarines, sonar systems, and advanced weaponry.
Addressing the crew, the Army chief underscored the responsibility that accompanies the commissioning of a new warship and urged personnel to uphold the highest operational standards. He emphasised that the platform’s combat performance will depend on the dedication and discipline of those manning it, adding that national security rests on the vigilance of India’s armed forces across all domains.
Reflecting on the coordinated actions demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, India’s May 7 military operation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, General Dwivedi said the operation showcased the strength of joint service synergy. He described India’s national security framework as a unified spectrum extending from Ladakh to the Indian Ocean, with the Army, Navy, and Air Force serving as interconnected components of strategic defence.
Following the commissioning, General Dwivedi toured INS Mahe, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The vessel represents a notable milestone for India’s indigenous shipbuilding sector, featuring compact architecture and advanced systems tailored for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters. These capabilities are considered vital for protecting coastal regions, including strategic areas such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where close-coast surveillance plays a critical role in maritime security.
INS Mahe derives its name from the coastal enclave of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Its crest features the ‘Urumi’, the flexible sword traditionally used in Kalarippayattu martial arts, symbolising agility, reach, and precision, traits mirrored in the vessel’s operational design.
According to Naval officials, INS Mahe is equipped to detect and engage hostile submarines, conduct coastal patrol duties, and secure key maritime approaches. The platform’s combination of firepower, stealth, and manoeuvrability positions it as a crucial asset for enhancing India’s littoral dominance and overall maritime security architecture.
The commissioning marks a significant step in strengthening India’s near-shore naval capabilities and reinforces the Navy’s long-term commitment to building a modern, combat-ready, and indigenous fleet.
