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Honourable Governor, Respected Chief Minister, my cabinet colleagues, the Finance and Defence Minister Sri Arun Jaitely, Naval Chief Mr. Dhawan, all the senior dignitaries present on the dais, all the top brass of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, ladies and gentlemen. Yesterday we celebrated our Independence Day. The task of defending Independent India is being carried out by our valiant soldiers be it from the Army, the Navy or the Air Force. But in the changing times, we cannot defend ourselves only by muscle power. In this age of science and technology, along with muscle power, the use of intellectual power has become increasingly important.

Today, INS Kolkata being dedicated to the Nation is representative of the intellectual power of India. The Indian technicians, the Indian engineers and the Indian defence specialists have manufactured it. INS Kolkata is the largest indigenous enterprise undertaken till date for national defence in the event of war. I heartily congratulate the young brains and their tremendous capabilities for this achievement. So today when we are dedicating INS Kolkata, we are in fact presenting to the world not only a glimpse of the intellectual wealth of India but also a peek into its manufacturing ability. In some ways, now it is not that difficult to fight and win a war. But to ensure that war does not happen can only be guaranteed when the forces are modern, have great capabilities, are armed with latest gadgets and are more capable than the strongest force of the world. If you have such capabilities, then war does not happen. Hence one of the objectives of strengthening the forces with modern systems is to prevent the possibility of war. Once we are able to demonstrate such prowess in defence capabilities then no one dares to cast an evil eye at India. Hence, India wants to move forward in the direction of enhancing its defence capabilities so that no one dares think of attacking India seeing the potential of our soldiers, seeing our muscle power and our intellectual power and this is my firm belief.

I am standing on the soil of Maharashtra. When I am standing on its coast and talk of the Naval force it is natural recall the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The person to make foremost contribution to the conceptualization and development of a naval fleet was Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj. India was venturing in the direction of world trade at that time through its small ships and in those times Shivaji realized the importance of coastal security. Hence the first naval fleet came into existence at this very coast. Growing further today it has acquired global dimensions. All the nations having coastline understand the relevance of a naval fleet. India has a long coastline. The world trade is expanding. Maritime security is an important component of world trade and India is playing its role in that space. The INS Kolkata in a way is the ultramodern communication capsule floating in the sea. In a floating maritime ecosystem, our own youth have championed a technology. This great communication technology will be useful in securing India`s trade interests at sea and provide a sense of security to the trading community especially the ones dealing in maritime trade.

India becomes capable, India becomes powerful, our soldiers never remain behind in performing their duties for nation’s security and they should never feel that we are lacking in terms of defence resources in comparison to the world. Our aim is to empower them with modern technology and modern resources so that they never have the sense of inadequacy. With this objective in mind, we dedicate the INS Kolkata to the nation. This will enhance the military strength of the country, it will boost the confidence of the Navy and I have a firm belief that it will also encourage the young talent of India.

This new government in its budget has made some important decisions to bring in industrialists in the arena of world defence and enhance India’s defence offset potential for manufacturing by roping in latest technology from across the world. Today, we have to import items for our defence needs and smallest of items are imported. With this one decision India will become self-reliant in its defence needs in going forward. Our very own soldiers and young people will innovate and produce defence equipment. There will be a day, we dream when India which till now imports will become a force in export of defence equipments to several countries of the world. This will be even more beneficial for our security. The government is moving forward with these objectives in mind. I would like to congratulate you especially the Navy personnel on this occasion. And I want to assure you with this belief that a nation of 125 crore stand firmly behind those of you in uniform - it stands with you, it is proud of you. And this is the strength of our nation which enables us to stand with our head held high in front of the whole world.

I have the faith that all our personnel and officers of the Navy, would leave no stone unturned in defending the country towards national security and will live up to the respect bestowed by the 125 crores Indians. I again offer my heartfelt wishes to all the officers and personnel of the navy and congratulate you.

Long Live Mother India!

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