Wednesday, June, 24,2026

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OF SELF-RELIANCE & NAVY

To promote Atma Nirbhar in the Navy, Prime M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi emphasized that strong maritime capabilities are deciding factors for a country’s economic and strategic influence, as most global trade, critical minerals, and digital data networks operate through sea routes.

In that order, PM Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval platforms: INS Dunagiri (a stealth frigate), INS Sanshodhak (a large survey vessel), and INS Agray (an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft).

He highlighted that over 40 warships and submarines have joined the Navy recently, with 45 large platforms under construction. He stressed that India will not remain merely a buyer of military equipment but will grow its indigenous shipbuilding sector.

PM Modi held high-level discussions with CMA CGM leadership to boost collaboration in shipbuilding, container manufacturing, digital maritime innovation, and expanding India’s port infrastructure.

A massive Rs 70,000 crore package has been announced to broadly boost infrastructure, trade, and employment in the nation’s maritime sector.

ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT

Key Takeaways

  • The government has stepped up efforts to implement Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan (INIP) 2015–2030
  • Nation Building Through Shipbuilding; 51 large ships are under construction in the country, valued at approximately Rs 90,000 crore
  • The 100th and 101st indigenous warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, were commissioned in August, advancing the Navy’s Atma Nirbhar Vision 2047
  • Since 2014, Indian shipyards have delivered over 40 indigenous warships and submarines to the Navy, with a new vessel being inducted on average every 40 days in the last one year.
  • Nearly 67% of the Navy’s capital acquisitions have been with Indian industries in the last 10 years.
  • The Navy’s budget grew from Rs 49,623 crore in 2020–21 to Rs 1,03,548 crore in 2025– 26, raising its share of defence spending from 15% to 21%.

With the commissioning of three indigenously built frontline platforms – Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray – in Kolkata on Sunday, the nation has achieved yet another step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence production and bolstering the strength of Navy.

It must be noted that designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by the timetested Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata, these vessels represent key operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying, and anti-submarine warfare.

Together, they reflect the Navy’s balanced approach to capability development, strengthening operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and securing coastal waters against evolving threats.

The induction of the three indigenously built naval platforms in Kolkata will be a major gamechanger for India’s maritime capabilities, as these state-of-the-art designed vessels will bring highly specialized, localized combat and surveillance technologies with over 75% indigenous content.

INS DUNAGIRI (PROJECT 17A STEALTH FRIGATE)

A formidable frontline combatant equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and medium-range surface-to-air missiles. Its stealth features allow it to evade enemy radar, granting the Navy massive offensive and air-defence capabilities in blue-water operations.

INS SANSHODHAK (SURVEY VESSEL LARGE)

A high-tech hydrographic and oceanographic survey ship equipped with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and remote-operated vehicles. It transforms India’s maritime domain awareness by mapping the seabed and charting deep-water routes, which is critical for future submarine and antisubmarine warfare.

INS AGRAY (ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE SHALLOW WATER CRAFT)

Tailored specifically for littoral and coastal waters, this “submarine hunter” is equipped with lightweight torpedoes and advanced sonars to actively detect and neutralize underwater threats in highly contested or shallow coastlines.

Beyond strategic advantages, the commissioning of these “triplets” underscores the operational efficiency of India’s domestic defence sector. Involving over 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the construction of these vessels solidifies India’s self-reliance in warship construction under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative.

Naval experts are constantly viewing hydrographic intelligence as a strategic capability. Detailed knowledge of underwater terrain and oceanographic conditions can influence everything from submarine deployments to anti-submarine warfare operations, making survey vessels an important component of modern naval power.

While Dunagiri brings long-range strike capability through BrahMos missiles, Agray strengthens the country’s ability to counter underwater threats, and Sanshodhak enhances maritime domain awareness with advanced data collection systems.

The commissioning also comes at a time when the Indian Ocean is witnessing growing strategic competition. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is taking a massive step to boost its maritime strike capabilities by making the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile a standard weapon across all warships.

ALL ABOUT BRAHMOS

Born of a highly successful joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos is globally recognised as one of the fastest and most lethal cruise missiles in existence.

Operating at speeds between Mach 2.8 and Mach 3, its advanced ramjet engine allows it to be launched from land, sea, underwater, and the air, providing the Indian armed forces with unmatched tactical flexibility.

The missile’s proven reliability and precision recently led to India’s historic first major defence export, with the Philippines acquiring the shorebased anti-ship variant.

Meanwhile, upcoming next-generation vessels— such as the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and the Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigates—will carry BrahMos systems as their primary offensive armament.

It may be noted that in 2024, the government had approved a monumental deal worth over Rs 19,500 crore to procure more than 200 BrahMos Extended Range (ER) missiles, followed by further strategic investments in advanced shipborne fire control and launch systems. The Navy has repeatedly proven the missile’s devastating accuracy against both landbased targets during rigorous operational drills.

Upgrades are extending BrahMos strike range beyond 800 km with advanced seekers. The sector now eyes the 2026 autonomous test of BrahMos-NG, a lighter, stealthier variant for platforms like LCA Tejas and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Robin Roy, The writer is Senior Journalist and former Managing Editor, First India

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Daily Astro

24-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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24-06-2026