INS Tushil Joins Indian Navy Amid Tensions
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions latest stealth frigate, strengthening ties with Russia
On December 9, 2024, the Indian Navy welcomed its latest addition, the INS Tushil, during a commissioning ceremony held at the Yantar Shipyard located in Kaliningrad, Russia. This state-of-the-art multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate was officially inducted with the presence of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The event included several prominent figures such as Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev.
During his address at the ceremony, Minister Singh emphasized the commissioning of INS Tushil as not only a proud moment for India but also as an emblem of the strengthening maritime capabilities of the nation. He articulated the significance of the event as showcasing the enduring friendship between India and Russia, highlighting shared values and mutual trust. “Our Navy has foiled the designs of piracy, arms and drug smugglers, and non-state actors,” Singh remarked, as he detailed the role of the Indian Navy as the net security provider across the Indian Ocean region.
The INS Tushil, whose name translates to “protector shield” in Sanskrit, is one of four follow-on frigates contracted by India earlier. With two of these ships — INS Tushil and INS Tamala — being constructed at the Yantar Shipyard and the remaining two at Goa Shipyard through technology transfer, the Tushil serves as an advanced variant of the Talwar-class frigates already serving the Indian Navy.
This impressive naval addition was delayed for two years prior to the commissioning, as it was initially expected to be delivered at the end of 2022. The postponement stemmed from complications surrounding supply chains straining under the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical turmoil resulting from the Ukraine War following Russia’s invasion.
Rajnath Singh expressed his gratitude for Russia’s support concerning India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, or self-reliant India, emphasizing the growing indigenous contribution to naval constructions. He indicated, “Made in India content is continuously increasing,” symbolizing the collaborative efforts of Russian and Indian industries.
Notably, the ship is powered by gas turbine engines supplied by Zorya-Mashproekt from Ukraine. Due to the present-day challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, achieving timely access to these engines involved procuring them directly from Ukraine, before routing them to Russia for installation on the frigate.
Despite the successful procurement of engines for the INS Tushil, other vessels intended for the Russian Navy faced difficulties due to the earlier refusal by Ukraine to supply engines for Russia’s naval crafts, which led to changes in Russian defense plans. The commissioning of the INS Tushil is viewed as pivotal, considering the strategic needs posed by regional adversaries, particularly China and Pakistan.
Adding to the ceremony’s importance, Singh’s attendance coincided with discussions on delayed military equipment supplies, including the highly anticipated S-400 air defense systems. Reports indicate Singh plans to raise concerns about the timelines for these deliveries during the follow-up meetings after the commissioning.
India entered contracts with Russia for five squadrons of S-400 systems back in 2018, with the expectation of receiving all systems by 2023-24. Current developments, prompted by the Ukraine conflict, suggest deliveries will now only be completed by 2025. Correspondingly, Singh’s planned discussions about delays reflect India’s desire for timely compliance with defense agreements amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The commissioning ceremony for INS Tushil aligns with the larger defense strategy of India, which focuses on enhancing its maritime strength and ensuring power projection capabilities within regional waters. With India’s commitment to indigenization underscored by the 26% local manufacturing participation on the Tushil, the ship signifies a step forward not only technologically but also as part of the national agenda to promote self-reliance.
Technical specifications of the INS Tushil amplify its significance; measuring 125 meters and having a displacement of 3,900 tons, the ship is engineered for extensive operations, capable of performing diverse roles from anti-submarine warfare to maritime surveillance.
Recent military developments and discussions highlight India’s ambitions to cultivate its naval prowess to protect maritime interests amid shifting regional dynamics. With future vessels increasingly built within India, the commissioning of INS Tushil marks both celebration and pragmatic advances within the Indian naval force.
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