President Recalls Sinking Of Pakistan Submarine
New Delhi, Feb 21: President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday recalled the Indian Navy’s role in the 1971 war and the sinking of Pakistan’s submarine Ghazi during a Fleet Review comprising over 60 ships and submarines and 55 aircraft at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
“I recall the heroic action of the Eastern Naval Command in the naval blockade of then East Pakistan and the sinking of Pakistani submarine Ghazi. That was a decisive blow to Pakistan. The 1971 war remains one of the most emphatic victories in our history,” he told the gathering. The President expressed happiness over the efforts being made by the Indian Navy towards self reliance.
“I am happy to note that the Indian Navy is becoming increasingly self reliant and has been at forefront of the make in India initiative. I am told that about 70 per cent contents of several warships and submarines under construction at various public and private shipyards across the country are indigenous,” he said.
It is a matter of great pride that India has built nuclear submarines and soon it will have an indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant joining the service, added Kovind. Embarking on Presidential Yacht INS Sumitra, President Kovind received a 21-gun-salute during the 12th edition of President’s Fleet Review and witnessed a flypast by helicopters and aircraft including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks and MiG 29K. The 12th edition of the Fleet Review was conducted as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
A total 47 of the 60 ships and submarines in the event have been constructed in Indian shipyards and showcased indigenous capabilities and progress towards self reliance. The indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumitra led the Presidential Column. It was distinguished by the Ashoka Emblem on her side. The President sailed through 44 ships lined up at anchorage off Visakhapatnam. Ships from all Naval Commands and Andaman and Nicobar Command were anchored in four columns.
In this most formal of naval ceremonials, each ship dressed in full regalia saluted the President as he passed. The participating platforms included newly inducted combat platforms, the latest stealth destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and INS Vela, a Kalvari class submarine. Navy ships Chennai, Delhi, Teg and three Shivalik class frigates and three Kamorta class ASW Corvettes also formed part of the review. Ships from the Coast Guard, Shipping Corporation of India and Ministry of Earth Sciences also took part in the event.
