‘India’s $5 trillion economy ambition hinges on its Navy’
Source : The Times of India
Indian Navy's most powerful, largest and latest Destroyer INS Visakhapatnam (D66) |
Given that 95% of India’s trade moves via the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy is a key stakeholder in India’s ambitions to become a $5 trillion economy, said vice admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Western Naval Command. The Indian Navy is well prepared to safeguard the nation’s interests and provide protection in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, Singh said on Tuesday at a seminar organised by the Indian Navy to mark 60 years of Goa’s Liberation.
“If the Indian nation aspires to be a five trillion economy, it shall certainly be based on the protection that is provided and the safeguarding of the nation’s interest that happens through the Indian Navy,” he said. The Vice Admiral is on his maiden visit to Goa and Karwar after taking over command of the western command.
He said that Goa’s Liberation and subsequent progress is closely linked to the Indian Navy’s modernisation.“It may not be out of place for us to actually state that the growth of Goa and the Indian Navy have been almost synonymous, especially in this region. The rudimentary air strip, which was handed over by the Portuguese or taken from the Portuguese by the Indian Navy on Liberation coincided with the induction of INS Vikrant in the Indian Navy. With the commissioning of the aircraft carrier and the organic fixed wing aircraft came the requirement of having a full-fledged airfield and that’s how the Indian Navy put in a lot of effort and all its meagre resources that it had to create this great place by INS Hansa,” said Singh.
He recalled the efforts of Goa’s freedom fighters and the sacrifices made by armed forces’ veterans who fought the war for the Liberation of Goa. He also met governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and briefed him about the role and assets of the Indian Navy and also the Indian Navy’s operations to enhance overall maritime security. “There is no doubt that the state of Goa will continue to grow, but the Indian Navy will also continue to grow because this is a very important base on the west coast of India,” said Singh.
No comments: