Rajnath Singh expresses gratitude, says Indian Navy always on alert

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while returning from his visit to the Western Fleet off the Goa coast on Sunday, said that he would personally write letters to the families of the navy personnel currently serving at the 'INS Vikramaditya'. Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to express his gratitude towards the officials serving the Indian Navy. The Defence Minister spent the Friday night onboard INS Vikramaditya and also commissioned the second Kalvari-class submarine INS Khanderi on September 28 in Mumbai.

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Khanderi is built at state-run Mazgaon Dock Limited and underwent rigorous sea trials for over two and a half years. He also launched the warship 'Nilgiri', the first of the Project 17 Alpha (P17A) class ships.

Singh also spoke about the skills and efficiency of the Indian Navy during his visit. He said, "Witnessing the prowess and firepower of the Western Fleet first hand, I am reassured that the security of our nation is in safe hands and that the Indian Navy is always ready to defend the country against all threats. It is a matter of great pride for me that I got the opportunity to interact with the personnel of the Indian Navy’s Sword Arm, the Western Fleet. I am most impressed to see the professionalism, commitment, and spirited approach shown by the brave warriors of the Indian Navy."

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ICGS Varaha

Earlier on September 25, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 'Varaha' at the Chennai Port Trust. The Defence Minister said that the ship was going to be a force multiplier for Indian Coast Guard, pointing out that it has capabilities to operate twin-engine Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Helicopters developed indigenously by HAL. Singh, who arrived in Chennai on Tuesday on a two-day visit, participated in the Investiture Ceremony of Coast Guard. "It is indeed reassuring to witness the growing strength of Indian Coast Guard, the 'Sentinals of our seas' and capabilities of Larsen and Toubro Shipbuilding Ltd one of the strong supporting pillars for production and maintenance of surface assets of our maritime forces," Rajnath Singh said.

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