The Indian Navy has officially commissioned the INS Androth, its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), during a ceremonial event held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The event was led by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, accompanied by senior naval officers, officials from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and various dignitaries.
Built by GRSE in Kolkata, INS Androth is a significant advancement in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, boasting over 80% indigenous content. The vessel, measuring 77 meters in length and displacing approximately 1,500 tonnes, is specifically designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. It incorporates advanced sensors, weaponry, and communication systems, enabling it to detect, track, and neutralize underwater threats effectively.
Vice Admiral Pendharkar emphasized the critical role of the Indian shipbuilding industry in this journey toward self-reliance, stating, “With more than 80 percent indigenous content, Androth stands as a testament to India’s ability to design, develop, and deliver sophisticated platforms that meet high operational standards.” Cmde PR Hari (Retd.), the Chairperson and Managing Director of GRSE, reiterated the shipyard’s commitment to timely delivery of advanced warships, expressing pride in constructing these potent ASW SWCs and confidence in fulfilling future projects on schedule.
INS Androth draws its name from Androth Island, the northernmost island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. The vessel’s crest prominently features a cone snail shell, symbolizing patience, precision, and lethality, while its mascot, the Makar, a mythical vahana of Lord Varuna, represents strength, adaptability, and guardianship—qualities that align with its mission as a modern submarine hunter.
This advanced warship is equipped with an array of sophisticated technology, including Towed Array Sonar, Hull Mounted Sonar, Torpedo Tubes, Rocket Launchers, Torpedo Decoy Tubes, Mine Rails, ELINT and COMINT systems, in addition to a 30mm gun with waterjet propulsion. These features collectively enhance its capabilities for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and operations in shallow waters.
In a related development, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, welcomed India’s first Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), named ‘Shivalik,’ during its inaugural call at Visakhapatnam Port. Inducted under the Indian flag by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) on September 10, 2025, the Shivalik represents a substantial enhancement to India’s maritime and energy logistics capabilities.
Sonowal commended the SCI team and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority for their efforts in ensuring the smooth handling of the vessel’s first LPG consignment. He highlighted that the induction of ‘Shivalik’ aligns with the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to bolster self-reliance and indigenous ownership while enhancing global competitiveness within the maritime sector.
