'A Historic Step': INS Vikramaditya Adds to India's Military Might

Modi said "I came out of Delhi for the first time (after becoming Prime Minister) and came straight to you. This gives you an idea of priorities of the new government," reports IANS.

Dressed in his trademark "kurta churidar" and a blue waistcoat, Modi said that we dream of an India that is self-sufficient in manufacturing defense equipment using the latest technology.

Modi further said "One of the primary reasons India is capable of walking hand-in-hand with world forces is the Indian Navy and soldiers. INS Vikramaditya is a giant step in India's naval prowess."

He said that security was the prime requirement for country's progress. Modi said that armed forces were witnessing transformation and "modern technology" had become a significant part of security dynamics.

Modi also pitched for self-reliance and export of arms to small countries. He stressed on the need to shed dependency on import of weapons in some areas and said that government wants to move in a direction that smaller countries have faith in equipment made in the country.

During his "Day at sea", Modi was accompanied by navy chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh.

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