The first aircraft carrier built and designed entirely by Indians, INS Vikrant, was unveiled on Friday, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who also assured of greater capabilities for both national security and the greater good.
With the commissioning of INS Vikrant on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated India into a narrow group of nations with the domestic capacity to produce such substantial ships.
Mr. Jaishankar, who is in the UAE on a three-day visit, claimed that India has consistently provided first assistance and has increased its contribution to the global commons.
“As a marine nation, India’s viewpoint is shaped by the SAGAR vision. We have consistently provided first aid and have increased our contribution to the global commons.
The INS Vikrant not only represents the New India but also guarantees better capacities for global good and national security, according to a tweet from Mr. Jaishankar.
The induction of INS Vikrant, named after its predecessor that was instrumental in the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, into the Navy was commemorated by Prime Minister Modi unveiling a plaque.
With Vikrant’s appointment, India has joined a select group of countries with a niche capability to design and construct an aircraft carrier domestically, including the US, the UK, Russia, China, and France.
The 262-meter-long and 62-meter-wide carrier has a maximum designed speed of 28 knots and a range of 7500 nautical miles while carrying approximately 43,000 tonnes of cargo when fully loaded.
It has cutting-edge features and can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and locally produced Advanced Light Helicopters. It was built for an estimated cost of 20,000 crores (ALH)
