'Icon of India`s pride, power and determination': Rajnath Singh on commissioning of INS Vikrant

Kochi (Kerala): Praising the country's first indigenous aircraft carrier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that INS Vikrant is an exceptional symbol of self-reliant and aspirational India at the Cochin Shipyard here on Friday. INS Vikrant has been commissioned into the Indian Navy today in the event that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and senior Defence officers. Addressing the function, Rajnath Singh said, "The commissioning of INS Vikrant is a confirmation that our endeavour for `Self-reliant India` is not an isolated policy. This is an important part of the huge transformative change taking place in India under the leadership of Prime Minister." 

To achieve targets, he said, the government has made path-breaking changes in the sectors like health, education, trade, transport and communication, adding that the commissioning of INS Vikrant during the initial period of Amritkal displayed the government`s determination towards the nation`s security in the next 25 years. 

"It is an icon of India`s pride, power and determination. And its commissioning is an unprecedented achievement in terms of indigenous warship and construction," ANI quoted Singh, who further added, "On this historic day, I appreciate the efforts of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard and also appreciate the efforts of all people associated with the project. I especially congratulate Chief of Naval Staff and his entire team for their focused efforts in commissioning of INS Vikrant."

Indian Navy is always ready as the first responder to national and international level of crises. With the commissioning of #INSVikrant, the capability of the Indian Navy will be further strengthened: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kochi, Kerala pic.twitter.com/I80N9JI7iH — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2022

For friendly foreign countries, Rajnath Sing said, the commissioning of INS Vikrant is an assurance that India is capable of fulfilling its requirement of collective security, adding "We believe in free, open and inclusive indo-pacific and we are continuously making efforts that are guided by our PM`s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)." 

"As India is moving to achieve a five trillion dollar economy, it will increase its contribution to global trade in the next few years. And definitely, a bigger part of trade will happen through marine routes. And he believes that INS Vikrant will play an important role in the nation`s security and economic interests, the defence minister said.

Rajnath Singh further said, "In the Defence sector, the government has made improvements Defence Production Policy and Export Promotion Policy. FDI limit has been increased in the sector, defence industrial corridors have been developed. And also, 68 per cent of the capital acquisition budget is Rs 85,000 crore of the defence sector for the domestic industry. As part of the efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing and minimize imports by the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), a positive indigenisation list has been notified by the Department."

"Our mission is not only Make In India but to Make for the World. And it is evident as India`s goods exports crossed a record high $400 billion mark last year," he said.He added that in the present situation and change with time for the operation of uninterrupted maritime trade, and maritime interests of India, the Indian Navy has a significant responsibility," ANI quoted him as saying.

"I firmly believe that this responsibility can only be delivered through an aircraft carrier. Indian Navy is always ready as a first responder in case of any national or international level crisis. Commissioning of INS Vikrant will increase the capability of Indian Navy," he said.

Commissioning the India`s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is "proof of 21st century India's effort and talent." In his inaugural speech, the PM said, "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 new confidence, has created a new confidence in the country." 

Also read: INS Vikrant a symbol of indigenous potential, creates new confidence in India, says PM Modi

While calling INS Vikrant a "unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant,'' PM Modi said, "If the goals are quick, the journeys are long, the ocean and the challenges are endless - then India's answer is Vikrant. The incomparable elixir of the elixir of freedom is Vikrant. Vikrant is a unique reflection of India becoming self-reliant." 

The prime Minister further said that "(INS) Vikrant is massive, it's a giant. Vikrant is distinct, Vikrant is special. It is not just a warship but a testament to the hard work, talent, influence and commitment of 21st century India." PM Modi earlier unveiled the new ensign of the Indian Navy. 

(With ANI Inputs)