PM commissions submarine Kalvari; says will boost Navy's might

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday commissioned the first of the six Scorpene-class submarine Kalvari into the Indian Navy and said its induction was a big step in the country's defence preparedness.

Modi boarded the submarine and unveiled its plaque, after meeting veterans of the first Kalvari who were present at the ceremony.

"Kalvari is an excellent example of our 'Make in India' programme," he said, speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Mumbai on Thursday morning.

Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler were among those present at the ceremony.

Modi thanked France for this 'strategic joint project' and described the commissioning of the submarine as a "matter of pride" for 125 crore Indians.

"It is a matter of pride for me to commission this submarine. Kalvari's induction in the Navy is a big step in defence preparedness," Modi said.

Kalvari is named after the dreaded tiger shark, a deadly deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

"The power of Kalvari, that of a tiger shark, will strengthen our Navy," the prime minister said.

He said India has always been the first responder in times of crisis for neighbours, be it floods, water shortage or cyclones, in Sri Lanka, Maldives or Bangladesh.

During the Nepal earthquake, Indian Navy and Air Force rendered major assistance, he noted.

Modi also dwelt on the 'sabka saath sabka vikas' motto of his government and cited the successful tackling of terrorism and Naxal threats.

"So far this year, around 200 terrorists have been killed by police and security forces in Kashmir. There has been a reduction in the number of stone pelting incidents there," he said.

He said, "There has also been a decline in Naxal violence. This shows people are veering towards the path of development."