The Indian Navy commissions INS Samarthak, the first indigenous multi-purpose vessel (MPV), at Karwar Naval Base. The ship is built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and is described as having more than 75% indigenous content. The commissioning ceremony is attended by Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, according to multiple reports.
Outlets describe INS Samarthak as a versatile platform intended for both operational missions and technology trials. While its core roles include maritime surveillance and patrol, coverage also highlights capabilities for low-intensity maritime operations, target deployment, unmanned system mothership operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Several sources add that it can support evaluation of next-generation weapons and sensors and can be adapted for additional tasks such as limited hospital conversion and salvage operations.
Reporting emphasizes the broader context of defence industrial capacity and shipbuilding by private industry, with Radhakrishnan citing self-reliant defence manufacturing. Some outlets specifically frame the vessel as a testbed for new systems and drones, reflecting its role in trials and experimentation alongside day-to-day maritime utility tasks.