Fact Check: Viral Claim of Fire on INS Surat and Emergency return to Port is False

A social media post claimed that the Indian Navy destroyer INS Surat suffered an “unknown fire incident” and was “pulled back to Surat port.” A thorough review of official Navy communications and reputable Indian news outlets finds no evidence of any fire or emergency return.

Tactical Tribune account shared the claim, “Unknown fire incident at Indian INS Surat destroyer; it has been pulled back to Surat port.”

Fact Check

Upon investigation, we found the claim to be false. We cross-checked the official Twitter handle of the Indian Navy; however, we did not find any such claim.

Times of India, Economic Times, LiveMint, and other leading Indian news organizations have extensively covered INS Surat’s recent activities—docking at Hazira Port and surface-to-air missile tests—with no mention of any onboard fire or emergency diversion.

According to a Times of India report published on 30 April 2025, it informed that the wait for citizens of the city to see the first Indian naval ship named after Diamond City will likely end on Thursday when INS Surat docks at Hazira. According to district officials, the stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy will be docked at Hazira for two days. With it being Gujarat Foundation Day, there is enthusiasm among Surtis to see the ship.

The Indian Navy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account has actively posted about INS Surat’s successful missile tests in the Arabian Sea and its routine docking at Hazira, with no reference to any fire.

Conclusion

The claim of an “unknown fire incident” aboard INS Surat and its unscheduled return to Surat port is false. INS Surat has been engaged in planned operations—missile tests and a ceremonial docking at Hazira—with no credible evidence supporting any onboard fire or emergency diversion.