INS VIKRANT OPERATIONALISED

With the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India has entered into a select group of nations having the niche capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier from the scratch

Showcasing the country’s growing prowess of indigenous manufacturing and a major milestone in the path towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on September 2. 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 and culture. He dedicated the new ensign to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that every Indian is witnessing the sunrise of a new future. The event held on the INS Vikrant was a tribute to the rising spirits of India on the world horizon. He said that today one is seeing a manifestation of the dream of Indian freedom fighters where they envisioned a capable and strong India. The Prime Minister exclaimed: “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.”