Karwar / New Delhi: INS Malvan, the second of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned into service with the Indian Navy at Karwar on July 22, 2026. INS Malvan proudly bears the name of her predecessor, an inshore minesweeper of the Indian Navy, decommissioned in 2003 after 19 years of glorious service to the nation.
The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Other senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Ltd., Kochi, veterans and distinguished guests were in attendance.
The crest of INS Malvan carries the ‘Bagh Nakha’ (Tiger’s Claw), symbolising bravery, warfare tactics, agility and audacity, resonating with the ship’s ethos to attack rapidly and strike silently. The waves surrounding ‘Bagh Nakha’ reflects the vast sea surrounding the coasts and the Indian Navy’s unwavering resolve to remain ever vigilant, ever ready and steadfast in safeguarding the nation’s seas and sovereignty. The ship’s motto, “Silent Claws”, embodies lethality, stealth and the ability to strike the adversary swiftly.
The ASW-SWC project reinforces India’s expanding ecosystem of naval design, equipment and system integration. With over 80% indigenous content, it is a shining symbol of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Govt of India.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff emphasised the critical importance of safeguarding sea lines of communication to ensure unimpeded maritime trade – foundational to the nation’s economic success, amid global uncertainties.
He lauded the Navy’s impressive growth and its commitment to the Aatmanirbhar initiative, specifically highlighting the warship’s over 80 percent indigenous content. Drawing inspiration from the Navy’s model of embedding officers directly into the shipbuilding process, he emphasised that similar practices could accelerate self-reliance across the broader defence ecosystem. Finally, he reaffirmed the vision of tri-service integration, calling for seamless jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure success in future conflicts.
The commissioning of INS Malvan adds a significant punch to the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities. With the ability to operate seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets, induction of INS Malvan enables the Indian Navy to remain combat ready, credible, cohesive and future ready to ensure national security and safeguard India’s maritime interests at all times and all locations.
