COCHIN: The president of the country visited the Indian Navy’s Gunnery School on Thursday to present the prestigious President’s Colours to the INS Dronacharya. The event took place on the afternoon of Thursday at Fort Kochi.
Speaking at the occasion, the President of India. Droupadi Murmu called on the personnel of the naval wing of the Indian armed forces to keep themselves updated with the latest technology of the day in order to protect the maritime interests of the country. She also mentioned that being the fifth largest economy in the world and controlling a very long coastline and several island regions, a modern and strong economy is of paramount importance in the country.
The President also mentioned that the combat-ready and versatile Indian Navy has been the deterrent force enforcing the maritime interests of the country over the years. It has also enabled the creation of a peaceful periphery in the waters around the country to enable ample socio-economic growth. It has also made the Indian Navy a significant force in the Indian Ocean and the First Responder in terms of any contingency in the maritime neighbours of India.
The INS Dronacharya welcomed the President of India with the customary 21-gun salute. She also inspected a ceremonial guard of honour onboard the maritime vessel. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Harikumar were among the dignitaries to take part in the event.
President Droupadi Murmu also visited the INS Vikrant at the Cochin Shipyard on Thursday. INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously developed aircraft carrier and the president called it the shining example of Atma Nirbhar Bharat as she made the observation that only a very few countries of the world had the capability to build an aircraft carrier on their own.
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