The Godavari class was the first significant indigenous warship design and development initiative of the Indian Navy.

Its design is a modification of the Nilgiri class with a focus on indigenous content of 72%, a larger hull and updated armaments.

There was a need for a ship unique to Indian requirements, for deploying a hybrid of indigenously-designed, as well as Russian and European weapons systems.

[2] Although the Directorate of Marine Engineering suggested replacing steam propulsion with gas turbines, it was decided not to do so, since Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had made heavy investments in facilities and tooling for design of steam turbines and auxiliary systems.

[6] For armaments, the missile and gun package of the Soviet Nanuchka-class corvette was installed on the frigate.