Article Posted on : - Dec 24, 2009

President Pratibha Patil being presented a book during her visits to India's lone aircraft carrier INS Viraat at Western Naval Command in Mumbai on Wednesday. Image credit: PTI

MUMBAI (BNS): After touching the sky in the supersonic fighter, President Pratibha Patil sailed in INS Virat, the country’s only aircraft carrier, a media report said.

President acknowledged Navy role after looking at its performance and appreciated its power for holding any such marine terror attacks as happened in Mumbai.

"The Navy and others are playing a proactive role to bring about synergy and establish standard operating procedures to prevent recurrence of such attacks," the President said while addressing Navy personnel aboard the carrier off Mumbai coast, a media report said.

"Terror attacks last year in Mumbai are a grim reminder of the harm that can be perpetuated through the use of the sea route by elements inimical to India," said Patil, clad in a blue coloured saree and sporting a naval cap.

"The nation reposes implicit faith in the capability and capacity of our maritime forces to protect our sea frontiers and to provide a peaceful environment for maritime trade and other activities," the President, who was flown to the carrier, said.

The President was welcomed with a guard of honour arrived in a blue colour saree with a sporting naval cap.

Navy is planning to commission the nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, in two years.

"I am informed that many new ships, submarines and aircraft construction and acquisition projects are at various stages of completion and would help transform the Indian Navy into an even more reckonable force," she said.

The President lauded efforts of the Navy in providing marine training to CISF, Marine Police and others for coastal security.

"The Navy has always acted with alacrity in all situations, be it humanitarian assistance after the Tsunami and Cyclone Nargis, or safe evacuation of personnel from Lebanon," she said adding that Navy constant efforts in providing training to Marine Police, CISF and other coastal securities is highly commendable.

"The presence of our warships in the area has instilled a sense of confidence in the shipping industry," President said after on showing her concern over the piracy issue in gulf countries.

"We now have requests from other countries in the region for increased assistance in surveillance of their Exclusive Economic Zone. These increased expectations are recognition of our growing stature," she said.