Loading dispatches...
← Return to NewsroomEconomy
INS Mahendragiri: All you need to know about Navy’s sixth Project 17A stealth frigate, to be commissioned on July 11
Breaking
Yemen's government announces all-out war to reclaim land from Houthis
INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A frigate, will be commissioned on 11 July. It includes advanced stealth features and systems, contributing to India's maritime security. It showcases India's growing expertise in indigenous shipbuilding and bolsters operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.Project 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms designed to address current and emerging challenges in the maritime domain. (Ministry of Defence)The Indian Navy is set to commission its sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, INS Mahendragiri (F38), at Visakhapatnam on 11 Jul 2026. Named after the majestic Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the frigate embodies resilience, strength, and unwavering resolve.According to a Ministry of Defence release, Mahendragiri, the first Indian Naval warship to bear this name, is truly sui generis.“She is now poised to forge a distinguished legacy and add another proud chapter to India’s maritime history,” the release said.INS MahendragiriINS Mahendragiri was designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate, exemplifies India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship design and construction.It was the fourth stealth frigate built by MDL under Project-17A and was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 April 2026. The Nilgiri class warship is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy and contribute to strengthening India’s maritime security architecture.INS Mahendragiri is powered by a modern Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, enabling high-speed operations with exceptional endurance across the full spectrum of maritime missionsThe advanced warship also incorporates advanced stealth features, enhanced survivability, reduced radar signature, and a high degree of automation.Project-17AProject 17A frigates are versatile multi-mission platforms designed to address current and emerging challenges in the maritime domain.P17A ships are fitted with an advanced weapon and sensor suite as compared to the P17 (Shivalik-class). The potent weapon and sensor suite comprises anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare systems.Mahendragiri is the sixth P17A ship to be delivered to the Indian Navy in the span of less than 17 months from the delivery of the first P17A (Nilgiri) by MDSL on 20 December 2024.‘Aatmanirbhar’ stealth frigateWith over 75 per cent indigenous content, Mahendragiri exemplifies the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Her construction has brought together a vast network of Indian industries, including numerous Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), generating employment while strengthening the nation’s defence industrial base.Weapon systems onboard INS MahendragiriThe frigate is equipped with an advanced suite of indigenous and state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems, sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, comprehensive anti-submarine warfare systems, and an integrated Combat Management System. Capable of undertaking anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine operations, Mahendragiri is equally suited for maritime security, power projection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), and sustained presence missions.The commissioning of Mahendragiri marks another significant milestone in the successful execution of the Project 17A programme. As successive frigates of the class join the Fleet, they continue to strengthen the Indian Navy’s combat capability while reinforcing India’s position as a leading indigenous warship-building nation.“As India continues to strengthen its role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region, Mahendragiri will serve as a formidable force multiplier, safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and contribu
The Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued a fresh travel advisory for Indian nationals visiting Thailand, outlining entry requirements following the end of visa-free travel. Here's what travellers need to know before departure.Thailand Travel Advisory For Indians(Pexels)The Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued a fresh travel advisory for Indian nationals planning to visit Thailand, urging travellers to familiarise themselves with the country's latest entry requirements before departure.The advisory, issued on July 2, comes after Thailand ended its visa-free entry programme for Indian passport holders. The embassy has outlined the documents travellers should carry, visa-related requirements and other important guidelines to help ensure a smooth immigration process upon arrival.Embassy Lists Documents Travellers Should CarryAccording to the advisory, Indian travellers must carry a passport that remains valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand.Visitors have also been advised to keep confirmed return tickets, hotel reservations and a clear travel itinerary readily available, as immigration authorities may ask to verify these documents during entry.In addition, all travellers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival. The form must be submitted through Thailand's immigration portal and generates a QR code that may be requested during immigration checks.THB 20,000 Cash Requirement For Some TravellersThe embassy has also reminded visitors to obtain the appropriate visa based on the purpose of their travel.It further stated that travellers entering Thailand under the Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival (VOA) provisions should carry at least THB 20,000 (approximately ₹57,446) in cash per passenger.The advisory noted that Thai immigration officials may ask visitors to produce proof of sufficient funds while processing their entry into the country.Embassy Warns Job Seekers Against Using Tourist EntryThe advisory includes a separate warning for Indian nationals travelling to Thailand for employment.According to the embassy, those who have already secured a job offer should not use the Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival facilities. Instead, they should obtain the appropriate visa before travelling, as entering Thailand on a tourist status for employment purposes may violate local immigration regulations.Advice For Transit PassengersThe embassy has also issued guidance for passengers transiting through Thailand.Travellers have been advised to carry all documents required for their onward journey, including confirmed onward tickets and any visas needed for their final destination.Indian Embassy's 11-Point Checklist For Thailand-Bound TravellersThe embassy has shared the following checklist for Indian nationals travelling to Thailand:Carry a valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of arrival.Keep confirmed return flight tickets.Carry confirmed hotel bookings.Have a clear travel itinerary.Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before arrival.Obtain the appropriate visa based on the purpose of travel.Carry at least THB 20,000 (around ₹57,446) in cash if travelling under the Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival provisions.Keep all travel documents readily accessible before approaching immigration counters.Ensure every traveller in a group carries their own documents.Do not use the Visa Waiver or Visa on Arrival route if travelling for employment.Transit passengers should carry all documents and visas required for their onward destination.Embassy Advises Travellers To Verify Documents Before DepartureThe Indian Embassy has urged Indian nationals to verify that they meet all documentation and immigration requirements before beginning their journey.The advisory says carrying the required documents, obtaining the appropriate visa and complying with Thailand's latest entry rules can help travellers avoid delays or issues during immigr
Discussion (0)