Navy – INS Malvan Crest Featuring Bagh Nakha Unveiled Before Commissioning Ceremony
Navy – The Indian Navy has revealed the official crest of INS Malvan ahead of the vessel’s commissioning, highlighting India’s continued investment in indigenous warship development and maritime security.
The Indian Navy on Saturday introduced the official crest of INS Malvan, the second vessel in the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) programme. The emblem prominently features the Bagh Nakha, a historic claw-shaped weapon that represents bravery, swift action, and determination. According to the Navy, the symbol reflects the ship’s commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests through constant vigilance and precise operational capability.
Commissioning Ceremony Scheduled for July 22
INS Malvan is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 22, 2026. The formal ceremony will take place in the presence of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, who will preside over the event. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, will also attend the ceremony along with senior naval officials, veterans, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, and other invited guests.
The induction of INS Malvan represents another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing effort to strengthen its shallow-water operational capabilities with modern, locally built platforms designed for coastal defence and anti-submarine missions.
Indigenous Shipbuilding Remains the Focus
Constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, INS Malvan reflects India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The vessel has been built with more than 80 percent indigenous content, demonstrating the country’s expanding expertise in naval architecture, ship construction, and advanced systems integration.
Officials said the project showcases the progress made by the domestic defence industry in delivering sophisticated warships that meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy. Indigenous manufacturing also supports long-term maintenance capabilities while reducing dependence on imported technologies.
Designed for Coastal and Shallow-Water Operations
Although compact in size, INS Malvan has been developed to undertake demanding missions in shallow coastal waters. Its design combines manoeuvrability, endurance, and operational precision, making it suitable for anti-submarine warfare and maritime security tasks in areas where larger vessels may face limitations.
The Navy stated that the ship forms part of a new generation of shallow-water combat platforms being inducted to strengthen coastal surveillance and enhance India’s overall maritime defence preparedness. These vessels are expected to play an important role in safeguarding strategic coastal regions and supporting naval operations in the years ahead.
Kochi to Host Multinational Maritime Exercise
Alongside the commissioning of INS Malvan, the Indian Navy will organise Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from July 20 to July 23. The four-day multinational engagement will be conducted in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the leadership of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), the CMF’s specialised training task force.
The exercise will bring together naval personnel from partner countries to participate in professional training programmes, practical operational activities, and discussions on maritime security practices. The programme is designed to promote cooperation, improve interoperability, and facilitate the exchange of operational experience among participating nations.
Strengthening Regional Maritime Cooperation
The Indian Navy said its continued association with the Combined Maritime Forces reflects its commitment to enhancing regional security through international collaboration. The CMF includes more than 40 partner nations working together to address common maritime challenges and improve collective security across strategic sea lanes.
By hosting multinational training initiatives and inducting advanced indigenous platforms such as INS Malvan, the Navy aims to strengthen operational readiness while contributing to broader regional capacity-building efforts. These initiatives underline India’s growing role in supporting maritime stability and promoting cooperation among partner navies in the Indo-Pacific region.