INS Samarthak commissioned: Navy’s first indigenous multi-purpose vessel at Karwar
On 16 October 2026 Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy's first indigenous multi-purpose vessel, at Naval Base Karwar (INS Kadamba), Karnataka. Built by Larsen & Toubro under Make in India with over 75% indigenous content, it is the first of two such vessels and is meant for surveillance, trials of indigenous sensors and weapons, unmanned systems support and HADR.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Karwar/INS Kadamba, multi-purpose vessel roles, Make in India. · Mains GS-III: defence indigenisation and private participation in naval shipbuilding.
16 Oct 2026