Defence Minister Reviews Naval Prowess On-Board INS Vikramaditya

The Defence Minister spent a night at sea on board INS Vikramaditya.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman waves from the cockpit of an MiG 29K 

(Photo: PTI)

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday arrived at the Indian Naval Base INS Hansa in Goa to participate in the 'Rakshamantri's Day at Sea' programme, an official said.

The Minister presided over India's show of naval might, in which more than 10 warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, three submarines and various types of naval aircraft participated in operational manoeuvres off the western coast on Monday and Tuesday, an official statement said.

She was received by Admiral Sunil Lamba and other senior officials of the Indian Navy.

Sitharaman initially embarked on INS Kolkata, the first of the indigenously built Kolkata Class destroyers, and then spent the night at sea on board INS Vikramaditya.

Also Read: Indian Navy Gets its First Scorpene-Class Submarine INS Kalvari

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman being briefed about naval operations onboard INS Vikramaditya.(Photo: PTI)

To assess the performance of the carrier in "real conditions", she transited through a simulated "multi-threat" environment on board along with the ship's escorts during Monday night, it said.

Sitharaman also presided over multiple complex naval operations, including air interceptions, missile, gun and rocket firing, ship-to-ship replenishment, night flying and anti-submarine warfare.

The Western Fleet of the Indian Navy undertook these major naval manoeuvres off the western seaboard to showcase its operational excellence and combat capabilities.

Having witnessed first-hand the prowess of the Western Fleet, I am confident that the Indian Navy is fully capable of defending the nation against any form of threat.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister

She also interacted closely and had open discussions with the sailors on board the warships.

On Tuesday, the Minister left the ship by a naval helicopter which landed at INS Hansa near here on Tuesday.

Also read: Watch: ISRO Hits Century, 31 Satellites Launched in Single Mission

(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at [e-mail]. We’ll make sure India gets your message)