Maritime nations of the world must work together in a spirit of co-operation to tackle the challenges of terrorism and piracy on the oceans of the world and to maintain a peaceful, stable maritime domain necessary for economic prosperity, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He was speaking here on Sunday evening after releasing a book on the maritime heritage of India as a part of the International Fleet Review 2016.
Earlier, the Prime Minister witnessed a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s capabilities. Thrilling feats were performed by the commandos as several warships, boats, aircraft and helicopters participated in the event.
Welcoming the foreign naval personnel participating in the IFR 2016, the Prime Minister said that it was heartening that navies of 50 foreign nations were participating in the event.
“I welcome you all and thank you all for accepting our invitation. We must all co-operate to keep the oceans safe, secure and peaceful for the mutual benefit of all of us,” he said.
He said the Indian Ocean was very vital for India’s national security and economic prosperity, and energy security, and “we are committed to keeping it a zone of peace. Our modern and multi-dimensional Navy is a force of peace”.
He said the Make in India campaign would have a special focus on indigenous defence manufacturing and ship-building for the defence sector.
“Of the Indian ships participating in the IFR, 37 are totally made in India and the number will grow in the future,” he said.
He spoke of the importance of “the blue economy in the widest sense” and emphasised the need for honing the skills of the coastal youth. “Our Make in India campaign is yielding rich dividends. It is make in India, make for India and make for the world,” he explained.
Describing the IFR 2016 as a truly historic event, conducted for the first time on the East Coast, he specially thanked AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for his co-operation in the endeavour.
He said it was remarkable that after being hit by the cyclone Hudhud in October 2014, “the great city of Visakhapatnam has recovered so remarkably to host the international event. I congratulate the resilient people of the city”.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, AP and Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and several others participated in the event.