Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited India's largest
warship, aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, marking his first outing to a
military facility after assuming office last month.
"It's a moment of pride for me to understand the
functioning (on the ship) and know its power," the PM said while
addressing the officers. "Why should we import defence equipment? We must
be self-sufficient," he added.
The
Prime Minister, who is travelling outside Delhi for the first time since taking
oath on May 26, landed at INS Hansa, the naval air station in Goa, around 10 am
and was received by Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan. After a ceremonial guard of
honour, he flew in a chopper to the 44,500-tonne aircraft carrier
During his "day at sea" with the Western Naval
Command fleet, the PM witnessed air power demonstration by various naval
aircraft, including MiG 29K, Sea Harriers, P-8I long-range maritime patrol and
anti-submarine warfare aircraft, TU 142M, IL 38 SD, Dorniers, Kamov and Sea
King helicopters.