The Indian Navy commissioned Samarthak, its first multi-purpose vessel, at Naval Base Karwar on October 16. The warship will support maritime surveillance, patrol and other strategically important operations, marking another milestone in India's push for defence self-reliance.

Built by a private company under the Union government's 'Make in India' initiative, Samarthak is the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels being inducted into the Navy. The vessel will serve as a versatile platform for the Navy's future operational requirements.

Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, Samarthak can undertake Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), target deployment and trials. It can also serve as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. The vessel supports Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), conversion into a limited hospital ship and salvage operations.

Its integrated combat suite combines indigenous sensors, weapons and electronic systems designed to operate in challenging maritime conditions.

"The crest of Samarthak, features the formidable Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength, intelligence and agility. The ship's motto: 'Victory is Our Sole Aim'," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy inducted INS Mangrol, the third indigenous Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), in Mumbai on October 12. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command, presided over the commissioning ceremony.

Earlier, the Navy said in a post on X, "#INSMangrol takes her place in the #IndianNavy, carrying forward the proud legacy of her historic namesake."

"Equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, the ship strengthens the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities in coastal and shallow waters, marking another milestone in the induction of a new generation of indigenous ASW ships -- lethal, agile and proudly Indian," the Indian Navy's spokesperson said.