With reference to INS Samarthak, consider the following statements: 1. The vessel is designed to support surveillance, patrol, and HADR operations. 2. It was commissioned under the 'Digital India' initiative. 3. It is the first of four planned Multi-Purpose Vessels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Indian Navy to commission INS Samarthak, first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, in Karwar

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Defence technology· Prelims· 13 October 2026

Indigenization in defence and maritime security: a GS3 and Science & Technology case study.

Why in news

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Samarthak, the first of four indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessels, at the Karwar Naval Base.

Background

INS Samarthak is an indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel built by Larsen & Toubro under the Make in India initiative. It is designed to support surveillance, patrol, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, featuring indigenous sensors and weapons.

Facts for Prelims

S&TINS Samarthak: India's first indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessel.
PlaceKarwar: Location of the Naval Base where the vessel is being commissioned.
FactINS Samarthak is the first of four planned Multi-Purpose Vessels.
SchemeMake in India: The initiative under which the vessel was manufactured.

Prelims practice question

With reference to INS Samarthak, consider the following statements:

The vessel is designed to support surveillance, patrol, and HADR operations.
It was commissioned under the 'Digital India' initiative.
It is the first of four planned Multi-Purpose Vessels.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: It was manufactured under the Make in India initiative.

For Mains

Q. Examine how the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector contributes to India's strategic autonomy and maritime security.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Strategic autonomy: Reducing import dependency on critical maritime surveillance and patrol assets.
Industrial synergy: Leveraging private sector manufacturing capabilities to enhance indigenous defence production.
Operational versatility: Multi-role capabilities (HADR, surveillance, autonomous systems) optimizing naval fleet utility.

Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Indigenization · Maritime Security · HADR · Make in India

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