Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday arrived in Karwar of Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district on a two-day visit.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Karwar, embarked for a sea sortie on one of the most potent platforms of the Indian Navy, INS Khanderi, on May 27.
The second of the Project 75 submarines, which are been constructed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative at Mazagon Docks Limited, was commissioned by the minister on Sep 19, 2021.
The Defence Minister inspected the ongoing works at the Naval Base and received on-site briefings including capability demonstration at the Shiplift Tower. He also undertook a tour of the Naval Harbour and reviewed the marine works/infrastructure being developed as part of Project Seabird Phase II-A, and also the operationalisation of Piers.
Singh visited the newly-constructed Sailors Married Accommodation, which incorporates advanced features for water efficiency, handling of household waste, energy efficiency and provides environment-friendly houses.
Rajnath Singh interacted with Project Seabird Contactors & Engineers and Officers, Sailors & Civilians of Karwar Naval Base.
In his address, he expressed satisfaction at the progress of works being carried out under ‘Project Seabird’.
He hoped that after the completion of the project, the Kawar Naval Base would become Asia’s largest naval base which would further bolster the operational readiness of the armed forces and help in augmenting trade, economic & humanitarian aid operations.
Singh complimented the Indian Navy for being a strong arm of the armed forces that are making an invaluable contribution towards maritime and national security, besides strengthening India’s position at the strategic as well as diplomatic & commercial levels.
He said that the navy is successfully discharging its duties of protecting the country, which, through its coastline of more than 7,500 kms, about 1,300 islands and an exclusive economic zone of 2.5 million sq kms, is playing a crucial role in the development of the world.
