Commissioning the country’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier into the Indian Navy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday that INS Vikrant is “not just a warship” but “proof of hard work, ingenuity, influence and commitment of 21st century India”, “a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant”.
In his address from the Cochin Shipyard in Kochi where a new ensign of the Indian Navy was also unveiled – it depicts the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and celebrates his naval prowess – Prime Minister Modi said a “burden of slavery” and a symbol of the country’s colonial past has been done away with, befitting India’s rich maritime heritage.
“Changing global dynamics have made the world multipolar. That is why it is critical to keep a futuristic viewpoint towards global dynamics. For example, the area of the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region were always neglected in the past. But they are now a strategic priority for our country. That is why we are working towards upgrading our naval capabilities and increasing the budget outlay for the Navy,” he said.
“Vikrant is not just a warship, it’s proof of hard work, ingenuity, influence and commitment of 21st century India. Vikrant has filled the country with fresh confidence. Until now, only developed countries were able to develop aircraft carriers. By entering this league today, India has taken a step towards becoming a developed country,” he said.
