INS Vikrant is a symbol of India's determination: PM Narendra Modi -

Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier in the Indian Navy. He expressed happiness and said that INS Vikrant is not just a warship but a symbol of India’s hard work, talent, influence, and determination in the 21st century. INS Vikrant signifies self-reliant India. INS Vikrant will be India’s answer for any long pursuit of overcoming challenges to achieve farfetched goals. Prime Minister Modi also unveiled the new ensign of the Indian Navy dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Therefore, India’s historical symbols of slavery are now replaced by the true legacy of the nation’s armed forces.

Prime Minister Modi said India is among the few developed countries to build aircraft carriers using indigenous technology. INS Vikrant is large, grand, and special. It’s like a floating base or floating city. The inclusion of the INS Vikrant has hugely enhanced the capabilities of the Indian Navy. Hence this is a historic day. Previously the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region were ignored. However, this region will now be prioritised as it is of strategic importance to India’s security. Steps are being taken to strengthen the Indian Navy and increase the budget allocation.

The Prime Minister unveiled the new ensign of the Indian Navy dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He said so far, the emblems were from the pre-independence era, but now the new ensign inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be the pride of air and naval forces.

Historically India was known for its mighty naval power. When the British came to India, they always dreaded this. Hence, they decided to attack and weaken the naval capabilities of India. The British Parliament even passed resolutions to ban and restrict Indian ships.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while speaking at the same event, expressed confidence that INS Vikrant would secure India for the next 25 years. INS Vikrant, a symbol of India’s ambitions and determination, will protect India’s trade and maritime interests in the fast-changing geopolitical situations. Rajnath Singh evoked emotions when he said the old INR Vikrant warship had performed expectantly in the 1971 war. The warships never perish. Induction of the new avatar of the previous INS Vikrant is a way to express gratitude towards the great bravery of our martyrs.

While with two aircraft carriers in the fleet, it will be easier for the Navy to secure maritime interest. While China has been on a spree to strengthen its naval fleet, the commissioning of INS Vikrant is a significant event. This will increase India’s presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Also, with the inclusion of INS Vikrant, China’s ambition to control the Indian Ocean will never be fulfilled.