President Ram Nath Kovind expresses satisfaction over combat readiness of Indian Navy

Ram Nath Kovind was in Visakhapatnam to review the Indian Fleet as part of the Presidential Fleet Review

President of India Ram Nath Kovind who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces expressed satisfaction over the preparedness and combat readiness of the Indian Navy, in Visakhpatnam, on February 21.

He was in Visakhapatnam to review the Indian Fleet as part of the Presidential Fleet Review (PFR), which is held once during the President’s term in office.

Addressing the sailors and officers of the Indian Navy after the PFR, he said “The excellent parade of ships, aircraft and submarines showcased the professional competence and determination of the maritime services of the nation. The parade also showcased the preparedness of the Indian Navy for any contingency.”

Talking about the significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the navy’s role, he said that a large part of global trade flows through this region and a significant portion of our trade and energy needs are met through the oceans.

“Safety of the seas and of the maritime commons, therefore, remains a critical requirement. The Indian Navy’s constant vigil, prompt response to incidents and untiring efforts have been highly successful in this regard,” he said.

The President also expressed satisfaction on the increasing self-reliance and the idea of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’. He pointed out that about 70% of the contents of several warships and submarines under construction in various public- and private shipyards across the country are indigenous and said it was a matter of great pride that the country has built nuclear submarines.

He also expressed happiness on the progress of indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which will come into service shortly. Mr. Kovind also highlighted the Indian Navy’s role in engaging a large number of other navies through bilateral and multi-lateral exercises.