INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy, Marking Strengthened Maritime Ties with Russia

The Indian Navy’s latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil (F 70), was officially commissioned in a ceremonial event at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning was graced by India’s Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri) Rajnath Singh, who hailed the event as a significant milestone in India’s maritime development and its longstanding strategic partnership with Russia.

Rajnath Singh described INS Tushil as a “proud testament” to India’s growing maritime capabilities and a symbol of the robust technical collaboration between Indian and Russian industries. “Made in India content is increasing in many naval platforms, including INS Tushil, showcasing the joint prowess of Russian and Indian industries,” Singh stated.

Highlighting Russia’s support for India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), Singh lauded the collaborative efforts that have advanced India’s naval technology and operational capabilities.

The defence minister emphasized the deep-rooted ties between India and Russia, particularly in naval cooperation, which continues to evolve under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), underscoring the Navy’s role as a net security provider. “From combating piracy to securing maritime trade routes, the Indian Navy plays a vital role in ensuring peace and security across the IOR,” he noted.

The minister also reiterated the importance of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, describing it as the cornerstone of India’s maritime policy. He credited Russia for its continued support in India’s efforts to foster collective security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development in the region.

INS Tushil, part of the Project 1135.6 Krivak III-class frigates, is the seventh in the series and the first of two upgraded follow-on ships. The vessel is designed for multi-dimensional naval warfare, encompassing air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains.

Key features of INS Tushil include:

Advanced Armament: BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched Shtil surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and rapid-fire gun systems.

Stealth Features: Advanced radar cross-section reduction and stealth design.

Enhanced Surveillance: Embarkation capability for Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters for anti-submarine and airborne early warning operations.

High-Speed Operations: Powered by gas turbine propulsion, the ship can achieve speeds over 30 knots.

Commanded by Captain Peter Varghese, a specialist in gunnery and missiles, INS Tushil successfully completed extensive sea trials and firing tests before its induction.

Addressing future cooperation, Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about India and Russia expanding their collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space exploration, and counterterrorism. “With new energy and enthusiasm, we are confident of unlocking the full potential of our partnership,” he stated.

The event witnessed the presence of prominent officials, including Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, Governor of Kaliningrad Alexey Besprozvannykh, and Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar.

The induction of INS Tushil marks a significant leap in the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and reinforces its position as a key player in ensuring peace, stability, and sustainable development in the IOR and beyond. The frigate is set to arrive in India soon, in near-combat-ready condition.