PM Modi Unveils A Plaque To Mark The Induction Of INS Vikrant

INS Vikrant Built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crores

Kochi: India welcomes it is first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioning the warship that put India into a select league of countries with the domestic capability to develop such large vessels.

During the occasion, PM address Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the induction of INS Vikrant, named after its predecessor that played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, into the Navy.

The 262-metre long and 62-metre wide carrier displaces approximately 43,000 T when fully loaded, having a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with an endurance of 7,500 NM. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crores, it has state-of-the-art features and can operate air-wing consisting of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, besides the domestically manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).

While addressing a large gathering ahead of the commissioning ceremony, PM Modi said "Today, India has joined those countries in the world, which manufacture such a huge aircraft carrier with indigenous technology. Today INS Vikrant has filled the country with new confidence."

He said the warship was a testimony to Indian skills and talent.

At a ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, the PM also unveiled the new Naval Ensign, which is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"Today on the historic date of September 2, 2022, India has taken off a trace of slavery, a burden of slavery. The Indian Navy has got a new flag from today. Till now the identity of slavery remained on the flag of the Indian Navy. But from today onwards, inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the new Navy flag will fly in the sea and the sky", he said and dedicated it to the legendary Maratha king.

The Navy said the commissioning ceremony is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a warship.

"Today 2 Sep 22 marks the acceptance of #INSVikrant as a potent unit of the operating forces of the @indiannavy. Wishing her fair winds & following seas…#AtmanirbharBharat," a Defence spokesman tweeted immediately after the commissioning.