Agencies
Kochi, Sept 2: India got its first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioning the warship that put India into a select league of countries with domestic capability to develop such large vessels.
PM Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the induction of INS Vikrant, named after its predecessor that played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, into the Navy.
The 262-metre long and 62-metre wide carrier displaces approximately 43,000 T when fully loaded, having a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with endurance of 7,500 NM. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, it has state-of-the-art features and can operate air-wing consisting of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, besides the domestically manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).
"Today, India has joined those countries in the world, which manufacture such a huge aircraft carrier with indigenous technology. Today INS Vikrant has filled the country with a new confidence," PM Modi said while addressing a large gathering ahead of the commissioning ceremony.
He said the warship was a testimony to Indian skills and talent.
At a ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the PM also unveiled the new Naval Ensign, which is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. "Today on the historic date of September 2, 2022, India has taken off a trace of slavery, a burden of slavery. The Indian Navy has got a new flag from today. Till now the identity of slavery remained on the flag of the 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 and dedicated it to the legendary Maratha king.
The Navy said the commissioning ceremony is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a warship.
"Today 2 Sep 22 marks the acceptance of #INSVikrant as a potent unit of the operating forces of the @indiannavy. Wishing her fair winds & following seas…#AtmanirbharBharat"," a Defence spokesman tweeted immediately after the commissioning.
Earlier, in his address, PM Modi said INS Vikrant is an example of the Centre's thrust to make its defence sector self-reliant.
PM Modi said with the new ensign, the country has shed its colonial past.
He also spoke about certain features of the aircraft carrier -- which he described as a "floating airfield, a floating town" -- and said the power generated in it could light up 5,000 houses.
"INS Vikrant is not a mere war machine but proof of India's skill and talent. It is special, different," PM Modi said and highlighted the indigenisation efforts behind the massive ship, including the steel that went into its making.
"Here, on the coast of Kerala, India, every Indian is witnessing the sunrise of a new future. This event being held on the INS Vikrant is a tribute to the rising spirits of India on the world horizon", he said.
It was also a manifestation of the dream of the freedom fighters, where they envisioned a capable and strong India.
The Prime Minister said Vikrant is huge, massive, and vast. "Vikrant is distinguished, Vikrant is also special. Vikrant is not just a warship."
"This is a testament to the hard work, talent, influence and commitment of India in the 21st century. If the goals are distant, the journeys are long, the ocean and the challenges are endless, then India's answer is Vikrant. The incomparable Amrit of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' is Vikrant. Vikrant is a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant," PM Modi said.
He also said no challenge is too difficult for today's India. |
