An impressive array of warships, including nuclear capable submarines, and about 8000 men and officers of Indian Navy presented an exquisite display of operational capabilities in an exercise reviewed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi off the Kochi coast in Kerala on Tuesday.
Here are some glimpses:
A Surface-to-Surface missile is fired by INS Nirghat (a missile boat) during the Operational Demonstration before Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi, Kerala on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
Having chaired the Combined Commanders Conference, an annual tri-services event held for the first time outside New Delhi onboard INS Vikramaditya, the prime minister reviewed the exercise about 50 km off the coast where the naval guns blazed and fighter jets roared in a dazzling display of India's military might. Photograph: PTI Photo
The annual event, held against an operational backdrop of the high seas for the first time, was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chiefs of Army, Navy and Airforce, secretaries of the government of India besides top tri-services commanders. (In the Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R K Dhowan on the deck of the INS Vikramaditya. Photograph: PTI Photo
"Indian Navy displayed its naval as well as air power capabilities during the approximately 40 to 45 minute (exercise). Ships of the Navy were there including submarines, as also aircraft, and about 8000 plus men of Indian Navy participated as part of the exercise," a Defence spokesman said. (In the Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- accompanied by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag -- meeting top Army Commanders on the flight deck of the INS Vikramaditya. Photograph: PTI Photo
After Prime Minister Modi had chaired the meet onboard INS Vikramaditya which lasted for about an-hour-and-half, he reviewed the exercise that began with firing by naval guns followed by a rocket-fire demonstration. (In the image) Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan showing Prime Minister Modi the aircraft parking deck of the INS Vikramaditya. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
"We had 30 plus ships outside, which included INS Vikramaditya, Virat, Kochi, Delhi, Mysore....," the Defence spokesman said. (In the image) A view of the crowded flight deck of the INS Vikramaditya. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
"Then we had nuclear submarine INS Chakra... We had 60 aircraft of the Naval aviation ranging from one end of the spectrum to other end. We also showcased the actual operations of MiG 29 K from INS Vikramaditya. A number of sorties were taken off, one from the larger runway--that is 195 meters and one from the 100 meter runway," he said. (in the image) Prime Minister Modi witnessing the naval-cum-air show aboard INS Vikramaditya. Also seen are Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R K Dhowan and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
PM Modi called for "jointness at the top" and for senior military commanders to have a wide range of experience while stressing on the need for developing capabilities to win swift wars as the "the luxury of long-drawn battles" will not be there in the future. (In the image) Sukhoi jets in formation fly past the INS Vikramaditya ever as Prime Minister Modi witnesses the performance. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
The prime minister also called for a comprehensive strategy for external defence engagement to develop our capabilities and fulfil our responsibilities to advance peace and stability, including in our extended maritime region. (In the image) Prime Minister Modi waves to sailors as their ship sails past the INS Vikramaditya. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Commanders, said: "India is confident that our defence forces are prepared to deter and defeat any misadventure. Our strategic deterrence is robust and reliable, in accordance with our nuclear doctrine, and our political will is clear."Photograph: PTI Photo
