“INS Vikrant is a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant”
Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier as INS Vikrant here today. During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the new Naval Ensign (Nishaan), doing away with the colonial past and befitting the rich Indian maritime heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Vikrant was not just a warship but a testament to the hard work, talent, influence and commitment of India in the 21st century. “Vikrant is a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant,” he added.
Modi said “today, India has joined those countries in the world, which manufacture such a huge aircraft carrier with indigenous technology”. He acknowledged and praised the contribution of the Navy, engineers of Cochin Shipyard, scientists and specially the workers who worked on the project.
INS Vikrant, he said, is a symbol of indigenous potential, indigenous resources and indigenous skills. He noted that the steel installed in its airbase is also indigenous, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation scientists and produced by Indian companies. Explaining the massive proportions of the Carrier, the Prime Minister said it is like a floating city. It produces electricity that is sufficient to power 5000 households and the wiring used will reach Kashi from Kochi, he said.
The Prime Minister noted that India had taken off a trace of slavery as the Indian Navy got a new flag from today. “Till now the identity of slavery remained on the flag of Indian Navy. But from today onwards, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new Navy flag will fly in the sea and in the sky,” he said.
The Prime Minister remarked that when Vikrant descends to protect the maritime zone, many women soldiers of the Navy will also be stationed there. “With the immense power of the ocean, boundless female power, it is becoming the lofty identity of the new India. Now the Indian Navy has decided to open all its branches for women. The restrictions that were there are now being removed. Just as there are no boundaries for the capable waves, there will be no boundaries or restrictions for the daughters of India,” he said.
Commenting on the changing geo-strategic situation, he said in the past, security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean have long been ignored. “But, today this area is a major defence priority of the country for us. That is why we are working in every direction, from increasing the budget for the Navy to increasing its capability, he said. The Prime Minister said that a strong India will pave the way for a peaceful and safe world,” he said.
– global bihari bureau
