LD PRESIDENT 2 LAST

Viraat, which was procured from the UK in 1987, rejoined
service at its parent base in Mumbai last month after a
year-long refurbishment at Visakhapatnam.

Stating that she was "aware of the numerous measures
initiated to enhance coastal security," Patil said the
multi-dimensional responsibilities of the Indian Navy in the
Indian Ocean region are important for the prosperity of the
country.
The Government is committed to modernizing the Navy in
keeping with the changing requirements of the 21st century,
the President said.
On India's first nuclear powered ballistic missile
submarine, INS Arihant, the President said the launch of
this warship in July this year was an important milestone for
an equitable balance of power in the region.
The Navy plans to commission Arihant in two years.
"I am informed that many new ships, submarines and
aircraft construction and acquisition projects are at various
stages of completion and would help transform the Indian Navy
into an even more reckonable force," she said, adding it is
satisfying to note that many naval projects are indigenous.
The President lauded efforts of the Navy in providing
marine training to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF),
Marine Police and others for coastal security. "The Navy has
always acted with alacrity in all situations, be it
humanitarian assistance after the Tsunami and Cyclone Nargis,
or safe evacuation of personnel from Lebanon," she said.
Stating that piracy in the Gulf of Aden was an issue of
global concern, the President said, "the presence of our
warships in the area has instilled a sense of confidence in
the shipping industry."
"We now have requests from other countries in the region
for increased assistance in surveillance of their Exclusive
Economic Zone. These increased expectations are recognition of
our growing stature," she said. PTI VT
ANU


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