Parrikar commissions INS Vajrakosh in Karwar

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar commissioned INS 'Vajrakosh', the latest establishment of the Indian Navy, here on Wednesday.

Karwar is poised to emerge as the Indian Navy's premier base on the Western seaboard in the not too distant future. Some of the vital naval assets are planned to be based there.

Naval units operating out of Karwar are required to be equipped with specialised armaments and missiles. These sophisticated missiles and ammunition require special storage facility and specialised servicing facilities.

INS Vajrakosh will have all the required infrastructure and is going to be manned by specialists to meet these requirements.

Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister emphasized the importance of a strong and modern navy for a maritime nation like India. He said Navy helps in maintaining peaceful, stable and orderly environment for socio economic growth and national development.

The Minister exhorted the crew to ensure that the 'missiles in Vajrakosh remain ever ready for operational deployment'. He expressed confidence that maritime security of our nation is in capable hands and each ship, aircraft and naval personnel stands tall and ready to protect our nation.

Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, noted that Karwar is poised to emerge as the Indian Navy's most significant base on the Western seaboard.

On the sidelines of the event, Parrikar also felicitated the fishermen who were instrumental in saving the unconscious pilot of Dornier (DO 240) aircraft which had crashed off Goa on March 24 this year.