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
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | India signs deal to acquire 4 Krivak-class frigates (2 to be made in Russia, 2 in India) |
| 2021 | Construction begins in Kaliningrad |
| 2025 | INS Tamal commissioned (last of the Russian-built lot) |
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’.”