INS Androth Commissioned: Enhancing India's Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities
The Indian Navy has officially inducted its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, INS Androth, during a ceremonial event at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, led the ceremony, which was attended by senior naval officers, representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and other prominent dignitaries.
Constructed by GRSE, Kolkata, INS Androth is a significant milestone in India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, boasting over 80% indigenous components. The 77-meter vessel is engineered for anti-submarine missions in coastal and shallow waters, with a displacement of approximately 1,500 tonnes. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art sensors, weaponry, and communication systems designed to detect, track, and counteract underwater threats.
"In this journey of Aatmanirbharta, the support provided by the Indian shipbuilding industry, especially GRSE, has been invaluable. With more than 80 per cent indigenous content, Androth stands as a testament to India’s ability to design, develop, and deliver sophisticated platforms that meet high operational standards," said Vice Admiral Pendharkar.
Commodore PR Hari (Retd.), Chairperson and Managing Director of GRSE, expressed the shipyard’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge warships on schedule, stating, "GRSE is proud to build these highly potent ASW SWCs for the Indian Navy, and we are confident of delivering the remaining vessels on time."
Named after Androth Island, the northernmost in the Lakshadweep group, the vessel's crest features the cone snail shell, symbolizing patience, precision, and lethality. Its mascot, the Makar, the mythical vehicle of Lord Varuna, signifies strength, adaptability, and protection, reflecting the ship’s purpose as a modern submarine hunter.
INS Androth is equipped with Towed Array Sonar, Hull Mounted Sonar, Torpedo Tubes, Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Decoy Tubes, Mine Rails, ELINT and COMINT systems, and a 30mm gun with waterjet propulsion, making it a formidable force for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and shallow-water operations.
India’s First Very Large Gas Carrier ‘Shivalik’ Welcomed at Vizag Port
In a separate event on Monday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal ceremonially received 'Shivalik', India’s first Very Large Gas Carrier, during its inaugural visit to Visakhapatnam Port.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) inducted the vessel under the Indian flag on September 10, 2025, enhancing the country’s maritime and energy logistics capabilities.
Minister Sonowal applauded the SCI team and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority for the efficient handling of the vessel’s first LPG shipment. He noted that the induction of 'Shivalik' supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030, focusing on bolstering self-reliance, indigenous ownership, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
