‘A new sunrise in New India’: PM Modi commissions nation’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant on Friday. (Express Photo: Nitin RK)

At the commissioning ceremony at the Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi on Friday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also unveiled the new Naval Ensign or Nishaan. (Twitter/ANI)

Here's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen receiving a Guard of Honour as he arrives for the commissioning ceremony at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Friday. (PTI)

In his address at the commissioning ceremony for INS Vikrant, PM Narendra Modi said, “Today, INS Vikrant has filled the country with a new confidence. It’s a symbol of India’s hard work, ingenuity, influence and commitment. It’s a symbol of indigenous strength, research and skill.” (Express Photo: Nitin RK)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as the new Naval Ensign 'Nishaan' is hoisted on INS Vikrant. (Twitter/PIB in Kerala)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects a Guard of Honour during the commissioning ceremony of INS Vikrant. (PTI)

The commissioning is seen as a boost to the present government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives that are centred around indigenous manufacturing and reducing import dependencies. (PTI)

The event was attended by several military and civil dignitaries, including the three service chiefs, former Navy chiefs, serving and retired Naval commanders, flag officers and ambassadors, Union ministers, the National Security Advisor, and top members of the Kerala government, among others. (PTI)

The indigenous content of the project is approximately 76%, the Navy has said. This includes 23,000 tonnes of steel, 2,500 km of electric cables, 150 km of pipes, and 2,000 valves, and a wide range of finished products including rigid hull boats, galley equipment, air-conditioning and refrigeration plants, and steering gear. (PTI/File)

The Navy has said that once commissioned, IAC-1 will be “the most potent sea-based asset”. The official release on August 25 said the ship will be capable of operating 30 aircraft including MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters, as well as the Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) built by Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, and the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). (Indian Navy)

INS Vikrant and Navy’s new ensign in one frame at Cochin Shipyard after the commissioning ceremony on Friday. (Express Photo by Sushant Kulkarni)