India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier will be commissioned next year Rajnath Singh

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    Kochi, Jun 25 (PTI) India's first Indigenous Aircraft
Carrier (IAC)will be commissioned next year and its combat
capability, reach and versatility will add formidable
capabilities in the country's defence, Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh said here on Friday.
    In a statement to the media after visiting the IAC at
Ernakulam wharf of the Cochin port to review its construction
progress, Singh described it as India's pride and a shining
example of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
    "The project was originally approved by the NDA
government and has made significant progress in recent past
despite COVID.
    "Commissioning of the IAC next year will be a
befitting tribute to 75 years of India's independence", Singh
said in the statement read out to the media.
    "The combat capability, reach and versatility of the
aircraft carrier will add formidable capabilities in the
defence of our country and help secure India's interests in
the maritime domain," the Defence Minister said.
    The minister said it was a pleasure to review first-
hand, the work being done on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier.
    Singh, who reviewed Project Seabird at Karwar, which
will be the largest naval base of the Indian Navy in future,
and will provide the facilities and infrastructure to support
the Navy's operations in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond,
said the government is fully committed to a strong navy and
these two projects are examples of our unwavering focus.
    "Our impetus to modernisation, harnessing India's
indigenous industry and know-how, is a key priority. Forty-two
of the 44 warships on order being built at Indian shipyards is
a testimony to this", he said.
    He said the IAC boasts of nearly 75 per cent
indigenous content, from design, to steel used in
construction, to key weapons and sensors.
    The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also
recently accorded approval for RFP of Project 75-I under the
Strategic Partnership model, which will give further fillip to
indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies,
the Minister said.
    "These measures will help enhance the Indian Navy's
operational reach and prowess to protect India's maritime
interests," he said.
    Singh said the Indian Navy remains poised and combat
ready to tackle any challenge.
    "Navy's proactive forward deployment during the Galwan
standoff signalled our intent that we seek peace but are ready
for any eventuality," the minister added.
    He said the Navy has also made significant
contributions in the fight against COVID, bringing back Indian
citizens from overseas during Op Samudra Setu-I, and much
needed Liquid Medical Oxygen during Samudra Setu-lI, despite
dangers of COVID spread onboard warships.
    SAR efforts by the Navy during Cyclone Tauktae
showcased the spirit of daring and courage among our men and
women in whites, he said.
    "Our efforts are in alignment with thePrime
Minister's Vision of SAGAR, or Security and Growth for All in
the Region, and the wider goal of a Free, Open and Inclusive
Indo-Pacific, to ensure peace and stability in the region," he
added.PTI TGB SS
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)