PM dedicates new INS Kolkata; says strong defence averts war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dedicating India's largest indigenously built warship INS Kolkata to the nation today, said at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai that military might is the biggest deterrent to war, and the defence forces would be modernised to ensure that "nobody casts an evil eye" on the nation.

"Fighting and winning a war has become less difficult these days. But a modern military, armed with state-of-the-art weaponry, alone is a guarantee against war. When we are capable, no one can dare challenge us," Modi said addressing a gathering after the dedication ceremony.

"When people have a sense of our military capability, nobody will ever dare to cast an evil eye on our nation," he said.

Stressing the importance of maritime security in fast expanding global trade and commerce, the Prime Minister said India, with its vast coastline, was playing a major role in this.

"In the coming days, INS Kolkata will inspire confidence in those involved in maritime trade," he said.

Describing the building of the destroyer-class ship as a big achievement by India's technicians, engineers and defence experts, Modi said the government was committed to modernising the defence forces so "our jawans don't feel they are lagging behind''.

"When I dedicate INS Kolkata to the nation, I am confident it will boost our military prowess and give confidence to our soldiers," he added.