President lauds Navy for supporting neighbours during pandemic

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said the Indian Navy had invested significant effort in meeting all regional commitments and furthering diplomatic engagements with friends and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

With missions like Operation “Samudra Setu” and “Mission Sagar”, the Navy was a key instrument of India’s Covid outreach, delivering assistance and support to maritime neighbours and partners in the Indian Ocean region.

The prompt and effective deployment of the Navy in the time of crisis, underscored India’s vision of being the “preferred security partner” and “first responder” in the Indian Ocean region.

He was speaking on the occasion of presentation of President’s Colour to the Indian Naval Aviation at the INS Hansa in Goa.

Over the past seven decades, the Naval aviation arm has transformed into a modern, technologically advanced and highly potent force with over 250 aircraft comprising MiG9K Carrier-borne fighters, maritime reconnaissance aircraft like Boeing P8I and Dornier 228, Kamov 28 and Kamov 31 helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft. The Naval aviation played a key role during the standoff with China.