Antony recalls Indira Gandhi at Kochi (Sidelights)

Defence Minister A.K. Antony recalled the visit he made in 1972 with then prime minister Indira Gandhi to the Cochin shipyard where he Monday launched India's first indigenous aircraft carrier.

Indira Gandhi, he said, had laid the foundation stone of the shipyard. He said it had since attained several milestones. "It (CSL) is now the number one shipyard. I am proud of that."

Antony said that apart from building the aircraft carrier, it had played a major role in the commercial ship-building sector.

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No politics please!

Antony, who addressed the media here, made it clear that he will not take any questions on politics.

He also declined to take questions related to the killing of Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistani firing. His first statement on the issue had created a major row.

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Antony the diplomat!

Antony referred to Kerala, his home state, several times in his speech. He said since many dignitaries were present, he will avoid taking names to foreclose the possibility of leaving out some names.

"I have to come here tomorrow also!" he quipped.