New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner in the world.
Speaking after the commissioning of three naval warships here, Modi said India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative has made the country strong and self-reliant, the prime minister said.
“We should become a global partner in securing the sea from drugs, weapons and terrorism and make it safe and prosperous. India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner,” he said.
In the Indian Ocean region, India has emerged as the “first responder”, the prime minister noted.
Modi said India is going to play a major role in giving a direction to the global security, economy and geopolitical dynamics.
‘It is important to protect the territorial waters, freedom of navigation, and secure trade supply lines and sea routes,’ he said.
Modi further said India is working for development, and not expansionism.
He said 33 ships and seven submarines have been inducted into the Navy in the last 10 years.
India’s defence production has crossed Rs 1.25 lakh crore and defence equipment have been exported to more than 100 countries, he added.
