INS Imphal (D68)

INS Imphal is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. She was being constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and has been launched on 20 April 2019. The ship started sea trials on 28 April 2023, and was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023. It was commissioned on 26 December 2023.

The ship was named in recognition of Manipur's sacrifices and contribution to India's freedom struggle including the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 or the Indian National Army under leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose raising the Indian flag on 14 April 1944 at Moirang. It is the first Indian Navy ship named after a city in Northeast India.

Construction
The keel of Imphal was laid down on 19 May 2017, and she was launched on 20 April 2019 at Mazagon Dock Limited of Mumbai. She began her sea trials on 28 April 2023. She was subsequently delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023. She was commissioned on 26 December 2023 in the presence of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Mumbai. Captain Kamal Kumar Choudhury is the commissioning commanding officer.

Ship badge
The badge depicts the on the left and Kanglā Shā on the right, two of the most remarkable cultural heritages of the Meitei civilization. The Kangla Palace is situated in Imphal and is an important historical and archaeological site of Manipur. It was the traditional seat of the Ningthouja dynasty. The Kanglā Shā is a mythical being from Meitei mythology and religion. Considered sacred to Meitei heritage, it has a dragon's head and lion's body, and is the guardian/protector of its people. Kanglā Shā is also the state emblem of Manipur.

Deployment
The ship was deployed in the Arabian Sea immediately after commissioning as part of a task force meant to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the area.