"Indian Navy is rapidly moving towards indigenisation": Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Sindhudurg (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the Indian Navy is rapidly moving towards indigenisation adding that earlier most equipment in the Navy used to be imported, but now the Navy is transitioning from being a 'buyer Navy' to a 'builder Navy'.
Rajnath Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given much importance to the operational needs of the Indian Navy, which was not given previously.
Addressing the Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "A decade ago, it was believed that the threats faced by the country are only land-based. And the Navy was not given much importance. But when PM Modi came to power, he rose above this limited mentality and focused on the Navy along with the Army and the Air Force. Today, the Indian Navy is moving towards indigenisation rapidly."
"A few months ago, the first indigenous aircraft carrier was commissioned by PM Modi. Earlier, most equipment used to be imported, but now we have become a builder Navy from the buyer Navy," he added.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Monday.
On the occasion, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had the foresight to invest in sea power.
"The PM commissioned our indigenous aircraft carrier last year and the new insignia of the Navy was also unveiled. The new insignia is inspired by the royal seal of Shivaji Maharaj. After 300 years of subjugation, Chhatrapati Shivaji carved out 'Swarajya'. He had the foresight to invest in sea power. Sindhudurg Fort here is a testament to his important message that one who controls the seas is powerful," the Navy Chief said.
Adding that the Indian Navy is working hard to make India a developed nation till 2047, Navy Chief R Hari Kumar said, "We are moving forward. On Dec 4, 1971, gives us inspiration when our missile boats destroyed the Karachi harbour in an operation. The Navy is committed to National security and fulfilling the expectations of the nation."
Navy Day is celebrated on December 4th every year.
The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate "Operation Trident," the Navy's audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War. (ANI)