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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated INS Kolkata, the biggest indigenously-built naval destroyer, to the nation, saying that no country will dare to challenge India now.
"When people have a sense of our military capability, nobody will ever dare to cast an evil eye on our nation," he said.
Modi announced that modernisation of defence forces will be his government's priority to ensure that nobody casts an evil eye on the country.
"INS Kolkata is entirely built in India and it is a symbol of our self-reliance. It is a prime example of India's technical abilities and will send a message around the globe," Modi said after addressing a gathering after dedicating the 7,500 tonne warship to the nation.
Modi also highlighted the steps his government has taken to improve indigenous defence technology. He said, "In the Budget, we have taken several steps for defence offsets. We want to make India strong enough to export defence equipment to the world."
INS Kolkata, a part of the Kolkata class destroyers of the Indian Navy, has been built at the Mumbai-based Mazgaon docks, a defence public sector unit. The 130-meter long warship, with a cruise speed of 130 knots, is equipped with latest telecommunication devises and armed with anti-air missiles and anti-submarine weapons.
Modi congratulated everyone associated with the project and said, "INS Kolkata is an example of intellectual prowess of Indian engineers, technicians and security experts."
He noted thar INS Kolkata is also a great communication platform, and will be useful in securing India's trade interests at sea. "In the coming days, INS Kolkata will inspire confidence to those involved in maritime trade," he opined.
Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan and other dignitaries.
"It is a historic day for India and its people. I hope this ship will enhance our Navy's capacity," Jaitley said.
