The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu attended the ‘Day at Sea’ event in Goa today (November 7, 2024). During her ‘Day at Sea’ on board INS Vikrant, she witnessed several naval operations including Mig 29K take-off and landing, missile firing drills from warship and submarine operations. She was briefed on the role and charter of the Indian Navy and the concept of operations. She also interacted with the crew of INS Vikrant.
In her address to the fleet, which was broadcast to all units at sea, the President said that India has a rich maritime history of over several thousand years. It is also blessed with a favorable maritime geography. With a coastline over 7500 kilometer long, India’s maritime geography presents several opportunities for economic growth, regional connectivity and strategic influence. We have a huge maritime potential which we should leverage in our journey of becoming a developed nation.
The President said that the ongoing flux in the global geo-political and security environment, especially in the maritime domain, demands that we continue to strengthen our naval power to safeguard and pursue our national maritime interests in the region and beyond. It is through the readiness and steadfast commitment of the Indian Navy that India has ensured a safe and peaceful environment in the Indian Ocean Region. She stated that India’s maritime might has got a significant boost with the induction and operationalisation of the INS Vikrant, commissioning of India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighaat, and the addition of advanced frontline warships and cutting-edge naval infrastructure. These achievements have cemented India’s status as a formidable regional power.
The President was happy to note that going beyond the induction of women across all ranks and roles, the Indian Navy has undertaken proactive measures to leverage the complete combat potential of our women sea-warriors. The Indian Navy has appointed its first woman Commanding Officer onboard a warship. It has also decided that the women will pilot the naval aircrafts. Recently the Indian Navy has got its first woman helicopter pilot too. She said that these achievements are significant in the Indian Navy’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity.
