In his first visit to an operational military formation after assuming office, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the country’s new aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya to the nation on June 14. The Prime Minister embarked the aircraft carrier at sea off Goa, which was operating in the company of ten other frontline warships of the Indian Navy’s ‘Sword Arm’ – the Western Fleet.

Congratulating the officers and sailors on board in fully operationalising INS Vikramaditya in a short period of time, the Prime Minister said the aircraft carrier will significantly enhance the ‘Blue Water’ capability of the Indian Navy. “The country’s economic prosperity and development were deeply linked to maritime power, security and infrastructure. This is a proud moment for India. INS Vikramaditya will add tremendous might and strategic power to our Navy,” he said while dedicating the newly acquired carrier to the nation. While India does not aim to threaten other countries, neither will it “ever bow down” before anyone, he added.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar, the Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan and the Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur. He was received onboard INS Vikramaditya by the Commanderin-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, and Fleet Commander, Western Fleet, Rear Admiral A.K. Chawla.

During the day, the Prime Minister witnessed ‘Air Power Demonstration’ by various naval aircraft including MiG-29K, Sea Harriers, P-8I long range maritime patrol anti-submarine warfare aircraft, TU 142M, IL 38 SD, Dorniers, Kamov and Sea King helicopters. He also witnessed high speed manoeuvres by Western Fleet ships including the other aircraft carrier INS Viraat, Delhi class destroyers Mysore and Mumbai, stealth frigates Tarkash, Talwar and Teg, guided missile frigates Betwa and Godavari and fleet tanker Deepak amongst others. Significantly, for the first time the dedicated naval communication satellite, Rukmini, was most effectively used to telecast live the events onboard INS Vikramaditya. Again for the first time the live telecast took place from a moving platform.

June 14, 2014, was indeed a red-letter day in the annals of the Indian Navy when the Prime Minister dedicated INS Vikramaditya the largest warship ever to be acquired by India at the staggering cost of Rs. 15,000 crore ($2.3 billion). It is the largest, biggest and the costliest military platform.

It was indeed of huge historic significance to India when the Prime Minister who himself is seen now as a strong leader with global aspirations to make the dedication his first military event, after assuming office. The aircraft carrier is seen as India’s most potent instrument of maritime power projection. This dedication was meticulously planned to demonstrate the emerging prowess of the Indian Navy, armed to the teeth to boldly discharge its primary responsibilities. This was the classic setting for the Prime Minister of India to be received onboard to do the honours of dedication, in a formidable maritime power environment.