Mumbai- Launching two warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and submarine Waghshir today, the Prime Minister said that India is now becoming the world’s leading maritime power.
This is the first time that two warships and a submarine have been launched simultaneously by the Indian Navy on the same day.
The Prime Minister said that this triple launch is an important step towards self-reliance.
INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of Project 17 frigates. INS Surat is the fourth and last ship of the Project 15B destroyer. Whereas INS Waghshir is the sixth and last submarine of Project 75 Calvary class.
The Prime Minister said in his address that the navy was conceived by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today India is equipping its Navy as per the requirements of the 21st century. This is a big step towards self-reliance. Drawing inspiration from its rich naval heritage, India is now emerging as a major maritime power in the modern world.
At a function held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, the Prime Minister said that India’s vision is not regionalist but developmentalist. We are now positioned as a responsible and reliable partner in the world. Therefore, we have introduced the concept of security and development for all in the region-sea. He said the country’s objective is to preserve traditional and territorial maritime boundaries. India is now emerging as a rapid response power during maritime incidents in the Indian Ocean. He also pointed out that India has saved many lives in the past. He said the sea route must be secured against drug trade, arms smuggling, terrorist activities and human trafficking.
Regarding self-reliance in the defense sector, he said that today we are exporting more than 100 defense equipment to many countries. At present 60 ships are being built in the ship yards of India. Its total cost is Rs 1.50 lakh crore. This has led to an inflow of Rs 3 lakh crore into the economy.
He said that in future India will move forward in space as well as deep sea research.
