At 9.30 AM on September 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission INS Vikrant, the most potent sea-based asset in the Indian Ocean. PTI (Photo credit)
Live updates on the commissioning of INS Vikrant, the largest ship ever built in Indian maritime history, in Kochi today: Prime Minister NarendraModi.
A 20,000 crore carrier with state-of-the-art automation features will be commissioned in Cochin Shipyard by Modi. The new naval ensign (Nishaan) will also be unveiled during the event, eradicating the colonial past.
According to the Navy, the new insignia will reflect the rich maritime heritage of India.
According to Vice Chief of Indian Navy Vice Admiral S N Ghormade, INS Vikrant will contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
INS Vikrant will begin aircraft landing trials in November and they will be completed by the middle of 2023, adding that MiG-29K jets will be operated from the warship initially.
Vikrant’s commissioning has been seen as a significant step toward India’s defence self-reliance.