New Delhi: State-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the country’s largest steel producer under the Ministry of Steel, has played a key role in the induction of INS Taragiri—the fourth stealth frigate under the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)—into the Indian Navy. The warship was commissioned on April 3, 2026.
Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the vessel incorporates nearly 4,000 tonnes of special-grade steel plates supplied by SAIL. The steel was produced at the company’s integrated plants in Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela, underscoring its advanced metallurgical capabilities and consistent quality standards.
SAIL’s contribution aligns with India’s push for defence indigenisation, reinforcing flagship initiatives such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’. The company has previously supplied specialised steel for key naval platforms, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and earlier Project 17A frigates—INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri.
The induction of INS Taragiri is being seen as a significant milestone in strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting the critical role of the domestic steel industry in enhancing maritime security.