INS Vikramaditya dedicated to nation: As it happened

Zee Media Bureau/Biplob Ghosal

PM Modi stresses on indigenous production of defence equipments and weaponry, says Why should we import defence equipment? We must be self sufficient. Why can`t we send our defence equipment to other nations.

My visit to the naval asset after becoming PM shows the incumbent Government is serious in improving India`s defence sector, says PM Modi.

The present government doesn`t just believes in making promises, but has come to power with determination to fulfill them, says PM Modi.

While dedicating INS Vikramaditya to nation, PM Modi promises to set up National War Memorial.

PM dedicates INS Vikramaditya to nation, says this is an important day for the country.

PM Modi addresses Naval officials, congratulates armed forces for securing the nation.

Rain has stopped and PM Modi, including Naval officers are back on the deck of the aircraft carrier to witness the naval demonstrations.

The weather has played spoilsport in Goa and PM Modi has been forced to leave the deck of INS Vikramaditya and go inside due to rain.

Indian Navy officials brief PM Modi about India`s largest aircraft carrier`s capabilities.

PM Modi observes MiG-29K at INS Vikramaditya.

Narendra Modi`s chopper lands on INS Vikramaditya. The PM will spend around four hours on the aircraft carrier and witness the prowess of the naval aircraft including MiG 29K, displaying operational capabilities on the Indian Navy`s largest and most powerful warship.

PM Modi`s helicopter INS Hansa leaves for INS Vikramaditya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Goa to visit INS Vikramaditya, the latest and the largest aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. On his arrival, Modi was received at INS Hansa (naval air station in Goa) by Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan, and given a ceremonial guard of honour. This is Prime Minister`s first visit outside Delhi after taking over on May 26. He is scheduled to spend around three hours on the 44,500-tonne Vikramaditya, which showcases India`s naval prowess. About INS Vikramaditya The deal for the aircraft carrier was signed during the previous NDA regime in 2004 and the ship will be dedicated to the nation after a gap of ten years. The vessel had joined the Indian Navy on November 16, 2013. The ship was earlier commissioned by the then defence minister AK Antony in Russia. Vikramaditya, a floating airfield, has an overall length of about 284 metres and a maximum beam of about 60 metres, stretching as much as three football fields put together. Standing about 20 storeys tall from keel to the highest point, the ship has a total of 22 decks and carries 1,600 personnel. With over 1,600 personnel on board, Vikramaditya is literally a floating city. Linked to the personnel on board is mammoth logistics requirement - nearly 100,000 eggs, 20,000 litres of milk and 16 tonnes of rice, to name just a few, per month.