Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday congratulated countrymen for dedicating INS Vikrant to the nation and unveiling the new Navy flag by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a series of tweets, Shah said that today is a historic day for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new ensign of our Indian Navy.
"This new ensign reflects the emergence of a New India, which is proud of its rich cultural heritage, doing away with the traces of the colonial past," said the Home Minister.
The Home Minister further said that it is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who built a strong navy to secure the maritime borders with his foresight, this ensign makes every Indian feel proud of our rich and glorious culture
"On this occasion, I am grateful to Prime Minister and congratulations to all the Indians," he said.
Shah also said that after becoming Prime Minister is making continuous efforts to make the country's forces the most advanced and modern in the world.
"In this series, INS Vikrant giving wings to India's unwavering spirits and symbolizing the indigenous might and commitment of New India was dedicated to the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.
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. Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testimony to the hard work, talent, influence and commitment of 21st century India."
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.
INS Vikrant, built at the cost of around Rs 20,000 crore, successfully completed its fourth and final phase of the sea trials last month. With the construction of 'Vikrant', India has joined a select group of nations having the niche capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier.
The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.
Vikrant has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles. The aircraft carrier is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and it has a height of 59 metres. Its keel was laid in 2009.
The commissioning of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier is a momentous occasion during the 'Amritkaal of India's 75 years of independence and signifies the country's confidence and prowess.
This indigenous aircraft carrier is proof of the country's technical acumen and engineering skills. This demonstration of India's self-sufficiency to produce an aircraft carrier warship will reinforce the country's defence indigenization programs and 'Make in India' campaign.
( With inputs from ANI )
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