INS Kalvari joins Indian Navy

INS Kalvari, the first of the diesel-electric attack Scorpene-class submarine, was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

INS Kalvari is named after tiger-shark, a deadly deep-sea predator found in the Indian Ocean.

It was a sort of a red-letter day for the Indian Navy when INS Kalvari - designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) - joined the fleet of the submarine arm of the blue-water multi-dimensional force.

"It is a matter of pride for me to commission and dedicate to the nation INS Kalvari...I congratulate the people of the country...after a gap of nearly a decade," Modi said, adding it will add strength to the Indian Navy.

The prime minister said that INS Kalvari is an excellent example of Make in India programme and growing strategic partnership between India and France.

Modi also said the 21st century is described as Asia's century. "It is also certain that the road to development in the 21st century goes through the Indian Ocean. That is why the Indian Ocean has a special place in the policies of the government," he said, adding this vision can be understood through SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

"India is fully alert with regard to its global, strategic and economic interests in the Indian Ocean. That is why the modern and multi-dimensional Indian Navy plays a leading role in promoting peace and stability in the region," he said.

He said the Indian Ocean's innate potential adds economic muscle to India's national development. "India is well aware of the challenges such as sea-borne terrorism, piracy and drug-trafficking." He said India is playing a key role in tackling these challenges.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also congratulated the Indian Navy. "Submarines are lethal, potent and cutting edge platforms in modern day warfare.Yet they are most essential for peace and deterrence for our nation. Peace in Indian Ocean, which is the lifeline of global trade is better off with INS Kalvari and other submarines to follow," she said.

Among those present in event include Maharashtra Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and French Ambassador to India Alexandre Zeigler.