An Indian Navy frigate was recently spotted in the Gulf of Finland. This quiet appearance speaks volumes about the deep and ongoing naval cooperation between India and Russia. At a time when India is shifting toward building its own warships at home, this event adds a significant layer to the story.
The warship, called INS Tamal, was handed over to India just weeks ago. It came from the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, a small Russian territory nestled between Poland and Lithuania. The deal for this ship was signed back in 2016, but it is only now that it has reached the hands of the Indian Navy.
INS Tamal is not a small vessel. It stretches 125 meters long and weighs around 3,900 tonnes. It has a helicopter landing pad, and it can stay at sea for up to 30 days without docking. Its speed tops 30 knots, which means it can push close to 60 kilometers per hour across the water.
This frigate carries serious firepower. It is loaded with the BrahMos supersonic missile system, anti-submarine rockets, a 100mm naval cannon, and 30mm anti-aircraft guns. For its size, this warship is heavily armed and ready for many types of missions.
Tamal will soon join the Western Naval Command, based in Karwar, Karnataka. Before reaching its final port, it will stop by several Indian ports to show its strength and systems to the public and military officials.
Russia and India have been working together in the military shipbuilding space since the 1960s. Over 50 warships have been delivered by Russia to India. INS Tamal might be the last of its kind to be built on Russian soil. The head of United Shipbuilding Corporation, Andrei Puchkov, called it a modern and flexible warship. It can respond to threats on the sea, under the sea, in the air, and even on land.
Even though India is now investing more in home-built warships, technical partnerships with Russian shipbuilders are still in place. Two more frigates of the same class as Tamal are being built right now at Goa Shipyard, with Russian guidance and systems. These are expected to be delivered by 2027.
The name “Tamal” carries weight in Indian mythology. It refers to a sword used by Indra, the god of storms and war. This adds a symbolic layer to a ship already rich in strategy and strength.
Right now, Indian shipyards are building nearly 60 different warships. This strong push for local production reflects India’s bigger goal of military self-reliance. But even with that goal, selective foreign partnerships continue to play a quiet but vital role.
