INS Mahendragiri Symbolises India’s Dual Focus on Technology and Conventional Military Strength: Rajnath Singh

Visakhapatnam, July 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underscored the importance of maintaining a strong balance between cutting-edge technologies and conventional military capabilities, asserting that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are reshaping modern warfare, future conflicts will ultimately be decided by the determination of a nation, the professionalism of its armed forces, and credible military strength.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, Singh said India must remain prepared for evolving security challenges by investing simultaneously in next-generation technologies and traditional combat capabilities.

“While emerging technologies have transformed the nature of warfare, they have not reduced the importance of conventional military capabilities. The basic principles of warfare remain unchanged. Future wars may involve Artificial Intelligence and advanced technologies, but they will ultimately be won by national resolve, well-trained soldiers and strong military power,” the Defence Minister said.

He stressed that technological innovation and conventional military platforms should not be viewed as competing priorities but as complementary elements of a modern defence strategy.

“New technologies and conventional platforms are not rivals. They complement each other. A conventional platform is incomplete without advanced technology, and technology alone cannot replace conventional military strength. History has repeatedly shown that countries which ignored conventional capabilities while chasing new technologies eventually paid a heavy price,” Singh remarked.

Reiterating India’s long-term defence vision, he said the government remains committed to developing excellence in both domains.

“Our approach is clear. India will continue investing in future technologies while simultaneously strengthening its conventional military capabilities. INS Mahendragiri represents this balanced approach and our commitment to building a technologically advanced yet battle-ready defence force,” he added.

The Defence Minister cited Operation Sindoor as an example of India’s ability to successfully integrate conventional warfare capabilities with modern technology in protecting national interests.

“Recent military operations have demonstrated how effectively our armed forces combine conventional and advanced capabilities. Operation Sindoor clearly showed that India possesses not only the ability to defend itself but also the capability to deliver a decisive response and neutralise any threat whenever required,” Singh said.

Highlighting the strategic significance of indigenous warship construction, Singh noted that every vessel commissioned into the Indian Navy strengthens not only maritime security but also India’s industrial and technological ecosystem.

“Each new warship contributes to the growth of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Every ship we build enhances our confidence, strengthens our capabilities and makes our defence industry more mature and self-reliant,” he observed.

According to the Defence Minister, building a warship involves much more than constructing a naval platform. It creates an integrated industrial network that drives innovation across multiple sectors.

“The construction of a warship is not merely about building a vessel. It involves developing an entire industrial ecosystem that includes steel manufacturing, electronics, sensors, propulsion systems, software, precision engineering, logistics and several ancillary industries. This process generates employment for lakhs of people, promotes technological innovation and provides a major boost to the country’s economy,” he explained.

Singh said India’s shipbuilding programme aligns closely with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by encouraging domestic manufacturing, innovation and private sector participation in defence production.

“When we build a warship in India, we are not only strengthening the Navy but also enhancing India’s economic capabilities and industrial competitiveness. Indigenous defence production creates long-term strategic advantages while reducing dependence on imports,” he said.

The Defence Minister also outlined the government’s ambitious roadmap for expanding India’s maritime capabilities and transforming the country into a leading global hub for shipbuilding and maritime defence innovation.

“I am confident that India will soon establish itself among the world’s leading shipbuilding nations. We are working closely with domestic industries, private enterprises, MSMEs, startups, innovators and international partners to realise this vision,” Singh stated.

He highlighted several policy initiatives launched by the government to accelerate growth in the maritime sector, including the Maritime India Vision 2030, the Maritime Development Fund, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme, and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme.

“These initiatives will significantly strengthen India’s industrial base, expand shipbuilding capacity and enhance our maritime capabilities to safeguard the country’s growing economic and strategic interests,” he said.

Emphasising the increasing importance of maritime security in a rapidly changing global environment, Singh said India remains committed to building a powerful and technologically advanced Navy capable of protecting national interests across the Indo-Pacific region.

The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, an indigenously built stealth frigate, marks another milestone in India’s efforts to modernise its naval fleet while advancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The warship is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and reflects the country’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design, construction and advanced defence technologies.