Defence experts appreciate Modi's visit to INS Vikramaditya

Defence experts in New Delhi on Saturday appreciated the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the INS Vikramaditya to witness an air power demonstration by the Indian aircraft carrier off the Goa coast in the Arabian Sea today.

Defence expert, Rear Admiral (Retd) K Raja Menon said, "I think, this is the way the Prime Minister should deal with the armed forces. I am glad that Prime Minister Modi has taken the opportunity to visit the carrier. It sends a very potent message, and I think, it's a very great idea."

He added that "Modi has signified his understanding of the concept that the projection of power which a nation has should be done outside the border and only the Navy can do it."

Modi was first flown to INS Hansa (naval air station in Goa) after which he boarded a flight for the INS Vikramaditya.

Another expert, Brigadier (Retd) B D Mishra, said, "I think this has been a great achievement for the Navy of our country and also for the security of our nation, and this gives us a big capability in the defence of our maritime borders."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi boarded a MiG-29K aircraft while visiting INS Vikramaditya.

The 44,500-tonne warship, which was earlier named Admiral Gorshkov, was acquired from Russia, and was commissioned in the Navy by former defence minister A.K. Antony in November last year.