Kochi: India became only the sixth country in the world capable of building a warship larger than 40,000 tonnes, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday commissioning the country’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in Kochi.

             It’s not just a warship, it’s the outcome of 21st century India’s work and determination, he said. Vikrant is the manifestation of the dreams of the freedom fighters who envisioned a capable and strong India, Modi added. He pointed out; Vikrant is also a symbol of India’s talent and technology. By fulfilling India’s dream of building an indigenous aircraft carrier, our engineers and scientists have demonstrated the strength of the nation, Vikrant marks a crucial step in our march towards becoming a developed nation, said Modi.

Vikrant in context amid Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, both the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean are major defence priorities for the country, he said. A strong India will pave the way for a peaceful and safe world. Vikrant will be amalgamated with its aviation assets by August 2023, after which it will be fully operational.

Prime Minister Modi also unveiled a new Naval ensign that is inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s octagonal seal, saying it has taken off a burden of the country’s slavery. The earlier fouled anchor, which is associated with colonial legacy, has been replaced with a clear anchor in the new ensign.