Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday commissioned India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant into Indian Navy. The carrier is touted as the largest ship ever built in India's maritime history, complete with state-of-the-art facilities. It was built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, Kerala, at a cost of over Rs 20,000 crore.
Addressing a gathering in Kochi ahead of the commissioning of INS Vikrant, PM Modi said: "Vikrant is large and grand, Vikrant is distinct, Vikrant is special. Vikrant is not just a warship, it is the evidence of the hardwork, talent, impact and commitment of India of the 21st century."
He Modi hoisted the new Indian Navy ensign 'Nishaan', on the indegenously built carrier.
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INS Vikrant Has Filled India With New Trust: PM
INS Vikrant is named after her illustrious predecessor, India’s first aircraft carrier that played a vital role in the 1971 war. With this feat, India joins select group of nations such as the US, the UK, Russia, China and France who have the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.
"Until now, only developed nations built such aircraft carriers. Today, India has joined this league and taken another step towards being a developed nation," the PM said.
"Today, India joins the countries that build such large aircraft carriers with indigenous technology. Today, INS Vikrant has filled India with new trust...On this historic occasion, I express gratitude to Indian Navy, all engineers, scientists & workers of Cochin Shipyard," PM Modi added.
He also unveiled a plaque on the occasion to mark the induction of INS Vikrant.
The ceremony was attended dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Kerala Governor Arif Mohamad Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden and top officials of Navy and the Cochin Shipyard Limited, among others.