PM dedicates to the nation indigenously built warship INS Kolkata at the
Mumbai Naval base ; Says INS Kolkata is a proof of India’s ‘Buddhi Bal’
The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, today dedicated to the nation the indigenously designed and built warship INS Kolkata.
Addressing naval officers and sailors at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai after commissioning the ship, the Prime Minister described INS Kolkata as proof of India’s “Buddhi Bal” (intellectual capabilities). He said India’s aim is to achieve such prowess in its defence capabilities, that no one dares to cast an evil glance at it.
Mr. Narendra Modi emphasized that with changing times, the importance of prowess which came out of “Buddhi Bal” (scientific and technical intelligence) is as important for the armed forces as physical prowess (Baahu Bal)
The Prime Minister also described INS Kolkata as the biggest indigenous defence production. “As we dedicate this ship to the nation, we display to the world, our buddhi bal and our manufacturing capabilities,” he said.
The Prime Minister remarked that being in Maharashtra, and talking about the Navy, one could not, but remember Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha King, who conceived the navy as a means for securing India’s maritime trade interests.
The Prime Minister said that today, maritime security was a vital aspect of global trade, and India was playing its part in securing global trade. He added that INS Kolkata is also a great communication platform, and will be useful in securing India’s trade interests at sea.
The Prime Minister mentioned the provisions made in the recent budget for defence and said the world’s best arms and equipment manufacturers would be invited to set up manufacturing facilities in India, and a day would come when India would be completely self-reliant in defence production.
The Prime Minister praised the valour of the Indian armed forces, and assured the jawans that the whole nation stood by them and was convinced that they would leave no stone unturned in defending the country.
The Defence Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley congratulated the Navy on the commissioning of INS Kolkata.
The Governor of Maharashtra Mr K. Sankaranarayanan, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, the Chief of Army Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan, the National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval, the Defence Secretary Mr. R.K. Mathur, and senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force were present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister also visited various facilities onboard INS Kolkata and also wrote in the Visitor’s Book.
About INS Kolkata
The 7500 tonne Kolkata class warship has been constructed by the Mazagon Docks Ltd, Mumbai and designed by the Navy’s Design Bureau. The keel of the warship was laid down in September 2003 and the ship was launched in 2006. After completing the sea trials the ship was handed over to the Western Naval Command, Indian Navy in July 2014. The 163 metre long warship, with a cruise speed of 30 knots, is equipped with latest telecommunication devises and armed with anti-air missiles and anti-submarine weapons.
PMO/PIB Mum | SC/MD
