Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday commissioned the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, at Cochin Shipyard Limited here in Kochi, a significant step of the Central government towards self-reliance in the defence sector.
While commissioning INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister termed the event a “tribute” to India’s rising spirits on the world horizon. “Today, here on the coast of Kerala, every Indian is witnessing the sunrise of a new future. This event, held on INS Vikrant, is a tribute to India’s rising spirits on the world horizon,” the Prime Minister said. “Vikrant is huge and special. The Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testimony to the hard work, talent, influence, and commitment of 21st century India, “ he added.
Soon after the commissioning, netizens took to Twitter to hail the move. Cricketer turned politician Gautam Gambhir tweeted, “This sight is enough to strike fear in the hearts of our enemies! Jai Hind”
Businessman Anand Mahindra tweeted, “Yesssss, Welcome to the world INS Vikrant. The Indian Navy gets a new guardian of the Oceans, a new Pehelvan’
Actor Kirron Kher tweeted, “Indian Navy Scripts
History! New ensign inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi! The ensign moves away from India’s colonial past and honours our glorious heritage. The ensign draws inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
Designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vikrant has been built with state-of-the-art automation features and is the largest ship ever built in the maritime history of India.
The indigenous aircraft carrier is named after her illustrious predecessor, India’s first aircraft carrier, which played a vital role in the 1971 war. It has a large number of indigenous equipment and machinery, involving major industrial houses in the country as well as over 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).