Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, marking another milestone in India's drive towards strengthening indigenous defence capabilities and maritime security. 

The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior naval officials, including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Rajnath Singh also received the Guard of Honour during the event.

Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, INS Mahendragiri is the first Indian Naval warship to bear the name. According to the Navy, the frigate symbolises resilience, strength and unwavering resolve, and is expected to add a distinguished chapter to India's maritime history.