“INS Kolkata is an example of our military might, showcasing our capabilities to the world. In today’s world fighting and winning wars is less difficult. To ensure that there is no war, one has to have a modernized and powerful military coupled with state of the art weaponry so that no one can dare cast their evil eye on us,” Premier Modi was quoted in a news report published by The Hindu said.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen coastal security given India’s vast coastline, Mr. Modi said, “INS Kolkata is a floating technology marvel. It will provide security to those who use the sea route to carry out trade activities,”

Referring to the government’s decision to allow 49 percent FDI in defence sector, the PM said it was undertaken with a two-fold agenda- to make India self reliant and to export defence equipment to the rest of the world.

“We have invited global players to set up their facilities here, so that we do not have to import every little defense hardware. There will come a day when we would be in the position to export the same equipment we are importing now. This will also be beneficial to the Indian economy,” he added.

The ceremony was also attended by the Defense minister, Mr. Arun Jaitley, the governor of Maharashtra Mr. K Sankaranarayanan, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Prithviraj Chavan and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral RK Dhowan and also many other serving and retired defense personnel. (Special Reporter)