President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday credited the Indian Navy's "readiness and steadfast commitment" for enabling the country to ensure a "safe and peaceful environment" in the Indian Ocean Region.
Attending the ‘Day at Sea’ event in Goa on board INS Vikrant, she witnessed several naval operations including Mig 29K take-off and landing, missile firing drills from the warship, and submarine operations.
The President was also briefed on the role and charter of the Indian Navy and the concept of operations. She also interacted with the crew of INS Vikrant.
In her address to the fleet, which was broadcast to all units at sea, the President said: "I am impressed to see our vibrant and
energetic Naval warriors who are committed to safeguard the country’s maritime interests."
"Earlier, I had witnessed the Navy's combat prowess during the Navy Day Operational Demonstration at Visakhapatnam in December 2022. Today, sailing with you in a combat formation onboard India's indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant is indeed a unique experience. I feel reassured that our maritime frontiers and the vast oceanic space that surrounds our great nation are in the safe hands of the Indian Navy," she added,
The President stressed that India has a rich maritime history of over several thousand years, and is also blessed with a favourable maritime geography.
"With a coastline over 7,500 km long, India’s maritime geography presents several opportunities for economic growth, regional connectivity and strategic influence. We have a huge maritime potential which we should leverage in our journey of becoming a developed nation," she said.
President Murmu said that the "ongoing flux" in the global geo-political and security environment, especially in the maritime domain, requires "that we continue to strengthen our naval power to safeguard and pursue our national maritime interests in the region and beyond".
"It is through the readiness and steadfast commitment of the Indian Navy that India has ensured a safe and peaceful environment in the Indian Ocean Region," she said.
She stated that India’s maritime might has got a significant boost with the induction and operationalisation of the INS Vikrant, the commissioning of India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighaat, and the addition of advanced frontline warships and cutting-edge naval infrastructure. These achievements have cemented India’s status as a formidable regional power, the President said.
President Murmu also said that she was happy to note that going beyond the induction of women across all ranks and roles, the Indian Navy "has undertaken proactive measures to leverage the complete combat potential of our women sea warriors".
Noting that the Navy has appointed its first woman Commanding Officer of a warship, decided that the women will pilot naval aircraft, and recently, got its first woman helicopter pilot too, she said that these achievements are significant in the Indian Navy’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity.
Russia-Ukraine war: Putin announces three-day ceasefire in May to mark Victory Day celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a 72-hour ceasefire in its ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine on account of the Victory Day celebrations, next month.
BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party hold protests in Tripura against Bangladesh embankments
The Bharatiya Janata Party's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Monday, organised massive protests against the construction of embankments by the Bangladesh government along the border with Tripura jeopardising Indian territories during monsoon.
India needs strong action to prevent Pahalgam-like attacks in the future: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday strongly condemned the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, asserting that India demands decisive action to ensure such attacks never recur.
Defence stocks surge over 9 pc as India inks Rs 63,000 crore Rafale deal
Defence stocks saw a strong rally on Monday, climbing over 9 per cent, as the government inked a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
'Power projection': India inks Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for Navy
India on Monday signed a landmark Rs 63,000 crore government-to-government deal with France to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets which will give added punch to the Indian Navy, amid growing security concerns over China flexing its maritime muscle in the Indo-Pacific region.
From Kupwara to Kathua, people came out to protest: CM Omar Abdullah on Pahalgam attack
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that for the first time, the people of the country are united, and this unity is needed to end militancy and terrorism.
Debt, liquidity of auto parts exporters to stay comfortable despite US tariff hikes: Report
Debt metrics and liquidity are likely to remain comfortable for most auto component exporters despite potential decline in margins and increase in working capital requirements in the wake of the US tariff hikes that have been announced by President Donald Trump, according to an ICRA report released on Monday.
SC issues notice on plea to regulate explicit content on social media, OTT platforms
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea seeking directions to the government to take immediate and decisive action to regulate explicit content on social media and OTT platforms.