President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday that as a leading power, India played a crucial role in shaping the global paradigm with respect to international security, trade and commerce.
Speaking at a ceremony after presenting ‘Colour’ to the INS Shivaji at Lonavla near Pune, the President said: “India’s rise in the international order has been fuelled by many factors including the capabilities and valour of our armed forces”.
“Today, the geopolitical situation in the world and in the Indo-Pacific in particular demands greater vigilance. I am aware that the Navy has adopted mission-based deployments in the Indian Ocean region,” Kovind said.
Heaping praise on INS Shivaji for imparting technical training of highest standard to marine engineers from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries, Kovind said: “High quality training of marine engineers is crucial for sustained deployments and presence in our areas of interest. The future will also see great diversity in the propulsion systems ranging from conventional to nuclear and electric and hybrid propulsion”.
“Concepts of maintenance will also undergo a paradigm shift with increased requirements on operational availability of platforms. INS Shivaji will need to impart the requisite skills to all trainees to prepare them to meet future challenges,” the President said.
“As INS Shivaji completes 75 years of excellence, let us introspect and reflect on the journey so far and also glance at the future. Technology is leapfrogging to produce autonomous vessels. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed for decision-making and war-fighting,” Kovind said.
“The training of marine engineers will also need to be tailored to train them to work with evolving technologies, while maintaining competence in the core engineering profession. I am confident that INS Shivaji would impart the skill set required in the future to all trainees passing out through its portals,” the President said.
“I am glad to note that more than two lakh officers and sailors of the marine engineering branch of the Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries have been trained in this fine institution till date,” he said.
“INS Shivaji has distinguished itself with stellar service to the nation over the years. It has a proud record of professional excellence, and has discharged its responsibilities with distinction,” the President said, he lauded the INS Shivaji’s contribution to the Indian Navy.
“A nation’s maritime interests are usually also linked to its economy and the well-being of its people. I am told about 90 per cent of our trade, by volume, is handled by sea routes. This enhances the role of the Indian Navy not just in national security but also in economic security, and thus in the wider process of nation building,” he said.