Indian Navy to commission INS Tushil Stealth Frigate in December in Russia
India is gearing up for a major addition to its naval fleet as INS Tushil, a state-of-the-art stealth frigate, is set to be commissioned this December. Built as part of a $2.5 billion agreement between India and Russia, INS Tushil is one of two Talwar-class frigates being constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia for the frigate’s commissioning, marking a key moment in India’s defence modernization efforts and its long-standing defence relationship with Russia.
INS Tushil: A Technological Marvel
Part of the Talwar-class, INS Tushil is equipped with advanced stealth technologies, designed to minimize radar and sonar signatures, making it difficult for adversaries to detect. It carries an arsenal that includes surface-to-air missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, and other weapon systems, combining Russian and Indian technology.
INS Tushil will play a significant role in strengthening India’s naval presence, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where strategic maritime interests are increasingly critical. This commissioning will also contribute toward addressing India’s current shortfall in frigate numbers, with the Navy aiming for a larger fleet to meet growing regional security demands.
Delays and Diplomatic Maneuvers
The commissioning of INS Tushil faced several delays, originally planned for 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic, complications related to payments between India and Russia, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict slowed progress. One significant challenge involved the procurement of gas turbine engines from Ukraine, which were essential for the frigate’s propulsion. These had to be sourced directly from Ukraine and shipped to Russia amid a tense political backdrop.
Despite these obstacles, the Indian Navy’s commissioning crew has already arrived in Russia, finalizing preparations for the handover of the frigate after months of anticipation.
India-Russia Defence Cooperation: A Strong Partnership
India’s defence partnership with Russia spans decades, with INS Tushil being a prominent example of this collaboration. Under the 2016 agreement, two frigates—INS Tushil and INS Tamal—are being built in Russia, while two more will be constructed at the Goa Shipyard in India with Russian technical assistance. The Yantar Shipyard is no stranger to India’s naval needs, having already built three of the Talwar-class frigates in service with the Indian Navy.
This deal is not just about shipbuilding; it also includes 22 specialized systems designed for India, from communication suites to weapons systems. This cooperation demonstrates Russia’s continued role in India’s defence supply chain, as well as India’s ability to integrate Russian and Indian-made technologies.
Rajnath Singh’s Mission to Russia
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Russia in December, timed with the commissioning of INS Tushil, will serve as an opportunity to review the broader defence cooperation between the two countries. Singh is expected to address the ongoing delays in key defence supplies, including the S-400 missile systems, which are essential for India’s air defence strategy.
Singh’s discussions with Russian defence officials are anticipated to tackle challenges in supply chains that have arisen due to the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions on Russia. Ensuring a steady flow of critical defence equipment and technology will be at the forefront of these talks, reinforcing the importance of the bilateral defence relationship.
Modi-Putin Dialogue: Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In the lead-up to Rajnath Singh’s visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the recent BRICS Summit on Tuesday (Oct 22, 2024). Defence cooperation was a central theme in their discussions, which also touched on economic and energy issues. Modi’s visit highlighted the continued importance of Indo-Russian relations, especially as both countries face shifting geopolitical dynamics.
During the meeting, the leaders acknowledged the progress of ongoing defence projects and expressed mutual satisfaction with the trajectory of their defence partnership. They also agreed to hold the next India-Russia Intergovernmental Cooperation Group on Defence meeting soon, underlining their commitment to future defence collaborations.
Looking Ahead: India’s Naval Future
INS Tushil’s commissioning is a pivotal step in India’s naval modernization. With its advanced capabilities, the stealth frigate will be a valuable asset in securing India’s maritime interests and enhancing its power projection in the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy currently has ten frigates in operation but seeks to increase that number significantly to meet strategic requirements.
Beyond the immediate impact of INS Tushil, India and Russia are also collaborating on the construction of additional frigates at the Goa Shipyard, ensuring the continuation of this partnership in the coming years. The next in line, INS Tamal, is scheduled for delivery in 2025, further expanding India’s naval power.
A Milestone in Indo-Russian Defence Ties
The commissioning of INS Tushil represents both a milestone in India’s naval modernization and a reaffirmation of its enduring defence ties with Russia. As the frigate joins the fleet, it will bolster India’s naval strength and play a crucial role in safeguarding maritime security in a region that is rapidly becoming more contested.
Rajnath Singh’s visit to Russia and the ongoing defence discussions between Modi and Putin underscore the importance of continued collaboration on critical defence projects. With INS Tushil set to take its place in India’s Navy by year-end, the country’s defence capabilities are set for a significant enhancement, securing its interests in both regional and global contexts.
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