By Girish Linganna

May 22: On Sunday May 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the INS Vikrant— India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier—for successfully berthing at the brand-new aircraft carrier port at Karwar Naval Base’s newly constructed berthing facility for the first time on Saturday. The Karwar Base’s ship-berthing capacity will be increased as a result of this significant development under Project Sea Bird.

In September 2022, says news agency PTI, PM Modi commissioned India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, which catapulted the country into an elite ring of nations that have the capability to manufacture aircraft carriers beyond the 40,000-ton category. The Navy was assured that the INS Vikrant would be a key player in ensuring stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

How Important is the Event?

The docking of the INS Vikrant at the INS Kadamba Naval Base is a major boost for India’s indigenous defence industry. The aircraft carrier was built entirely in India and its successful docking is a testament to the country’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.

The docking of the INS Vikrant at the INS Kadamba Naval Base is a major strategic development for India. It will allow the Indian Navy to project power in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond and will send a strong message to India’s adversaries.

News agency PTI quoted a Navy spokesperson as saying, “In a first of its kind for the Indian Navy, this berthing of the INS Vikrant at the new aircraft carrier pier with a two-deck configuration providing enhanced ship support facilities is a substantial infrastructural feat.”

Some Key Benefits of the Docking

Increased maritime power projection capabilities: The docking of the INS Vikrant will allow the Indian Navy to homeport two aircraft carriers, which will significantly increase its ability to project power in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.

Boost for India’s indigenous defence industry: The construction of the INS Vikrant was a major undertaking for India’s indigenous defense industry, and its successful docking is a testament to the country’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.

Forms a formidable strategic deterrent for India: The docking of the INS Vikrant will send a strong message to India’s adversaries that India is a powerful maritime nation that is not to be trifled with.

The docking of the INS Vikrant at the INS Kadamba Naval Base is a major milestone for the Indian Navy and for India as a whole. It is a significant development that will enhance India’s maritime power and security.

(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political analyst)