MUMBAI : Terming military might as the biggest deterrent to war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the defence forces will be modernised to ensure that “nobody casts an evil eye” on the nation.
“Fighting a war and winning it has now become less difficult these days. But a modern military, armed with state of the arm weaponry alone is a guarantee against war. When we are capable, no one can dare challenge us,” Modi said addressing a gathering after dedicating the largest indigenously built warship INS Kolkata to the nation.
“When people have a sense of our military capability, nobody will ever dare to cast an evil eye on our nation,” he said.
Stressing the importance of maritime security in fast expanding global trade and commerce, the Prime Minister said India, with its vast coastline, was playing a major role in it.
“In the coming days, INS Kolkata will inspire confidence to those involved in maritime trade,” he said.
Describing the building of the destroyer ship as a big achievement by India’s technicians, engineers and defence experts, Modi said the government was committed to modernising the defence forces so “our jawans don’t feel they are lagging behind in defending our nation.
“When I dedicate INS Kolkata to the nation, I am confident it will boost our military prowess and give confidence to our soldiers.”
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan were present at the ceremony held at the Naval dockyard.
The warship, constructed by the Mazagon Dockyards Limited, has been designed by Navy’s design bureau. The 6,800 tonne warship is a technology demonstrator and will showcase a giant leap in shipbuilding technology in the country.
The Prime Minister had dedicated India’s largest warship INS Vikramaditya to the nation in June in his first outing after taking charge. (AGENCIES)
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