PANAJI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday praised the role of the Indian Navy during Goa Liberation War of 1961 and the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The defence minister was speaking during his visit to the Karwar Naval Base to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure development under ‘Project Seabird’.
Accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Singh undertook an aerial survey of the project area and sites before arriving at the INS Kadamba Helipad.
The visiting dignitaries were received by Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar and Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, Rear Admiral Mahesh Singh.
Singh inspected ongoing works at the naval base and received on-site briefings including capability demonstration at the Shiplift Tower. He also undertook a tour of the Naval Harbour and reviewed the marine works/infrastructure being developed as part of Project Seabird Phase II A as also operationalisation of Piers.
In his address, he expressed satisfaction at the progress of works being carried out under ‘Project Seabird’.
He hoped that after the completion of the project, the Karwar Naval Base would become Asia's largest naval base, which would further bolster the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and help in augmenting trade, economy and humanitarian aid operations.
He said the Navy is successfully discharging its duties of protecting the country, which through its coastline of more than 7,500 kms, about 1,300 islands and an exclusive economic zone of 2.5 million sq. kms, is playing a crucial role in the development of the world.
He also praised the role of Indian Navy during Goa Liberation War of 1961 and the 1971 Indo-Pak war among others.
Singh lauded the efforts of Indian Navy for providing humanitarian assistance to not just the country, but the world, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“From rescuing stranded Indian nationals from affected countries to ferrying in critical equipment, including oxygen cylinders, from abroad, Indian Navy has worked tirelessly in the fight against Covid-19. It also extended assistance to various countries,” he said.
On the efforts to boost self reliance in Indian Navy, Singh said more than two-thirds of Navy's modernisation budget has been spent on indigenous procurement in the last five financial years.
Lauding Navy’s commitment towards ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’, he stated that out of the 48 ships and submarines, 46 are being inducted through indigenous construction.
He expressed confidence that Indian Navy will become one of the top three Navies in the world in the coming years and continue to play a crucial role in protecting the nation.
