New Delhi, Jan. 11 -- The Indian Navy is on course to commission its latest locally built stealth frigate, Taragiri, in February. The new year's first induction will further boost the navy's ability to secure the country's interests in the vast Indian Ocean region where China is attempting to strengthen its hold, officials aware of the matter said on Saturday.

Taragiri will be the fourth stealth frigate to be commissioned into the navy under the Rs.45,000-crore, seven-ship Project 17A, with the rest to be inducted by the year-end, said one of the officials, asking not to be named. Nilgiri, Udaygiri and Himgiri were commissioned last year, and Mahendragiri, Dunagiri and Vindhyagiri will follow Taragiri into the navy this year.

"The navy ...