INS Tamal Commissioned in Russia: Key Highlights

What Happened?

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal, a Krivak/Tushil-class stealth multi-role frigate, on June 24, 2025, at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
• This marks the final ship in a four-frigate deal signed with Russia under an inter-governmental agreement.

Strategic Significance

1. End of Russian Warship Imports Era

• INS Tamal’s commissioning concludes India’s two-decade-long dependency on importing warships from Russia.
• Symbolizes a shift toward indigenization and defense self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

2. Stealth & Multi-Role Capability

• The frigate belongs to the Project 11356M class (Tushil-class).
• Equipped with:
  • Stealth features to avoid radar detection.
  • BrahMos supersonic missiles for land and sea attack.
  • Advanced sensor suites, air defense systems, and anti-submarine warfare tools.

3. Geopolitical Implications

• Strengthens India-Russia defense ties amidst a changing global order and Western sanctions on Russia.
• Reinforces Indian presence in the Indo-Pacific, complementing recent deployments in the South China Sea and Red Sea.

Background & Timeline

Alignment with ‘Make in India’

• The first two frigates were built in Russia, while the remaining two are under construction at Goa Shipyard Ltd.
• The commissioning of INS Tamal completes the foreign-built phase; remaining ships will be made in India, enhancing local capabilities and employment.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims:

• INS Tamal, Project 11356M, BrahMos missile, Make in India – Defence Sector, Atmanirbhar Bharat

Mains GS Paper III:

• Indigenization of defense production
• India-Russia strategic relations
• Maritime security and power projection in Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

Model UPSC Mains Pointer

“The commissioning of INS Tamal signifies not only India’s final acquisition from Russia under the Krivak-class deal but also a transition to self-reliant naval defense manufacturing. This aligns with the larger national objective of strategic autonomy under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”