Manipur is celebrating a special moment of pride as the Indian Navy’s stealth guided-missile destroyer, INS Imphal (D68), continues to make waves both nationally and internationally. Named after the capital city of Manipur, this warship marks the first time a naval ship has been named after a city from India’s North-East, highlighting the region’s importance and contribution to the nation.
Recently, on September 29, 2025, INS Imphal participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United States Navy’s Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Gridley in the Arabian Sea. During this exercise, both navies carried out tactical manoeuvres, cross-deck flying, and anti-piracy VBSS (Visit-Board-Search-Seizure) training. The exercise also included sharing of best practices to strengthen cooperation and operational coordination between the two navies.
INS Imphal’s journey has been remarkable. Its keel was laid on May 19, 2017, and it was launched on April 20, 2019. After extensive harbour and sea trials, including her maiden sortie on April 28, 2023, the ship was delivered in record time on October 20, 2023—less than six months from completion. The ship was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 26, 2023, in a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, attended by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. 
The commissioning of INS Imphal is seen as a shining example of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in building state-of-the-art naval vessels domestically. For the people of Manipur, it is more than just a ship; it is a recognition of the state’s identity, culture, and historic contributions to the country.
Speaking on this achievement, M. Asnikumar Singh, Senior Spokesperson of BJP Manipur Pradesh, expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh for honouring the people of Manipur through this naming. He said, “The naming of INS Imphal is a tribute to our heritage, courage, and resilience. It strengthens our sense of pride and belonging in the larger story of India’s growth and security.”
