PURI: Amid rising threat perceptions along the sea routes in the changing global geopolitical situation, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday exuded confidence that Indian Navy will continue to ensure maritime security that is essential to enable the country rise to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“India has always been a strong maritime nation with our fortunes, glory, and identity being defined by the seas. With 63 ships being built in the country, the Navy’s single-minded focus to be an Atmanirbhar force by 2047 provides the inspiration to all to pursue innovation in mission mode and make India a super power,” she said after witnessing the Operational Demonstration conducted by Indian Navy to mark the Navy Day at Puri. This was for the first time that the Navy Day was celebrated along the eastern coast in Odisha and second time outside a naval station.
The President said India’s geography has endowed its citizens with all the elements necessary to be a great maritime nation. A long coastline, island territories, seafaring population, and developed maritime infrastructure encouraged India’s maritime activities along the coast and across the oceans for more than 5,000 years, she said.
“As India’s economy grows and influences expand across the globe, the country with a glorious maritime heritage and history to look back upon and a future full of promise to look forward to, will continue to showcase its supremacy. The seamless integration of advanced technology, tactical acumen and sheer courage displayed during the Operational Demonstration aptly summarise the evolution of our Navy into a combat-ready, future-ready and credible force,” Murmu said.
The President commended the Navy’s pioneering efforts in providing appropriate growth avenues to ‘Nari Shakti’. The Navy was the first service to induct women Agniveers. Two women naval officers - Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa are the best example of this new paradigm, as they circumnavigate the globe in INSV Tarini as part of the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’, she added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the valiant personnel of the Indian Navy and hailed them for their commitment which ensures the safety, security and prosperity of the nation.
“We salute the valiant personnel of the Indian Navy who protect our seas with unmatched courage and dedication. Their commitment ensures the safety, security and prosperity of our nation. We also take great pride in India’s rich maritime history,” he posted on X.
Hailing the tradition of ‘Bali Jatra’ or ‘Boita Bandana’ on Kartik Purnima to mark the maritime heritage of the state, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said achievements over the years have elevated Indian Navy’s stature with the deployment of several indigenously developed ships, including the INSV Tarini, the second sailboat of the Navy, which is transiting the Southern Ocean.
“Our bilateral and multilateral engagements have reinforced India’s image as a responsible agency towards ensuring security and growth for all. Indian Navy stands as a combat ready, credible, cohesive and future ready force to safeguard India’s national maritime interests anytime, anywhere and anyhow,” he said.
Union minister of state for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, deputy chief ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida were present among others.