Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, dedicated three “Made in India” frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation, saying that this is happening for the first time that a destroyer, frigate and submarine, all three are being commissioned together into the Indian Navy.
Addressing the event, PM Modi while highlighting the transcending maritime security of the nation said that today India is being recognised as a ‘reliable’ and ‘responsible’ country in the Global South.
The Prime Minister further said that India works on the spirit of development rather than expansionism, adding that we gave a mantra of ‘SAGAR’ which means security and growth for all in the region.
Stressing the functionary of the commissioned naval combatants, PM Modi said that INS Nilgiri is dedicated to the strength of the Cholas’ maritime strength while INS Surat reminisces the tale of when India was connected to West Asia through Gujarat.
“INS Nilgiri is dedicated to the strength of the Cholas’ maritime ability. INS Surat reminisces the tale of when India was connected to West Asia through Gujarat. Today I got the opportunity to commission the INS Vaghsheer submarine. These new platforms will give strength to India’s security and development. India is recognised as a reliable and responsible country in Global South. India works on the ideology of idealism rather than expansionism. India has always supported open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. India gave the mantra of ‘SAGAR’ which means security and growth for all in the region,” PM Modi said.
Saying India is emerging as the First Responder across the entire Indian Ocean Region, the Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the Indian Navy in saving lives and protecting the national and international cargo worth thousands of crores of rupees.
He further stated that India’s economic cooperation is getting stronger whether it is with ASEAN countries, Australia, Gulf or African countries.
He said, “…India has also emerged as the First Responder across the entire Indian Ocean Region. In the last few months, our Navy has saved hundreds of lives and has protected national-international cargo worth thousands of crores of rupees. This has increased the world’s trust in India. It has increased because of all of you. This trust in the Indian Navy and Coast Guard is continuously increasing. Today, you are seeing that whether it is ASEAN, Australia, Gulf, African countries, India’s economic cooperation with all is getting stronger…”
Emphasising the resolution of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas’, PM Modi said that India believes that the whole world is a family and on different occasions, it gave several ‘mantras’, including ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’ and ‘One Earth, One Health.’
“When India received the chance for the presidency of G20, we gave the mantra of One Earth, One Family and One Future. When the world was battling with the Covid-19, we gave mantra of ‘One Earth, One Health.’ We believe that whole world is family. We believe in the spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas, hence, we advocate for security of the region. India’s contribution as a ‘maritime nation’ will be bigger when it will come to global security, economics and geopolitics. It is necessary to protect traditional water, territorial water and ensure freedom of navigation for economic development and energy security,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi also congratulated the Indian Navy and manufacturers of the three naval combatants on their commissioning into the Naval dockyard while reminiscing about Chhatrapati Shivaji’s efforts to strengthen India’s maritime border.
PM Modi said, “15 January is also celebrated as Army Day. I salute all the brave who dedicate their life for the security of the country. Today is an important day for Indian Navy’s pride history and self-reliant campaign. Chhatrapati Shivaji gave new vision and strength to the Indian Navy. Today, we are taking a huge step to strengthen the Navy of the 21st century from his holy land. This is the first time when a destroyer, frigate and submarine, all three are being commissioned together into the Navy. These three frontline platforms are Made in India.”
“I congratulate all who are connected to these frontlines, including the Navy, its manufacturers and whole citizens of the nation. This event is connecting our heritage with the future aspirations. We had a long history in long ship travels, commerce, naval defence, ship industry. Today’s India is making itself a major maritime power and commissioning of these three frontline platforms are witness of this,” he added.
The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security.
INS Surat has an indigenous content of 75 per cent and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.
INS Nilgiri has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.
INS Vaghsheer represents India’s growing expertise in submarine construction and has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.
(with inputs from ANI)
