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President awards Colour to the submarine arm

December 8, 2017 By Rohit Srivastava Photo(s): By PRO (Navy)

President Ram Nath Kovind, on December 8, awarded President’s Colour to the submarine arm of the Indian Navy in a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Vishakhapatnam based Eastern Naval Command.

The submarine arm is celebrating 2017 as its golden jubilee year. On December 8, 1967, the first Indian Naval Submarine, INS Kalvari received Naval Ensign and hoisted National Flag.

Appreciating the service of the submariners to the nation, President Kovind, in his address, said, “In the past 50 years, 25 submarines have been in commission at various points. These submarines and their crew members have been a crucial part of the Indian Navy’s operations.”

Speaking on the operational success of the submarine arm, he said, “Quietly and without much fanfare, our submarines have had major operational achievements – in the 1971 War, during Operation Vijay in 1999, and then Operation Parakram, 2002. To date, 17 submarines of the Navy have been awarded the Chief of Naval Staff’s “Unit Citation” for exceptional service.”

Talking on the convergence of maritime interest and economic security, President said, “Today, our maritime interests are directly linked to India’s economy and security, and to the well-being of our people.”

“Over 90 per cent of our trade by volume uses the sea route. All this enhances the role of the Indian Navy not just in national security but in the wider process of nation building,” he added.

After 50 years, INS Kalvari will appear again as the first submarine of the six French Scorpene submarines being built at the Mazagon Dock Limited. On December 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission INS Kalvari into Indian navy, first conventional submarine to be inducted in last 17 years.

The event was attended by the Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Flag Office Commanding-in-Chief of ENC Vice-Admiral Karambir Singh.

Earlier during the day, upon his arrival at the ENC headquarter, President Kovind was given 21 gun salute and ceremonial guard of honour.

Hon’ble President of India Ram Nath Kovind reviewing the 150 men Guard of Honour
Hon’ble President of India Ram Nath Kovind presenting the President’s Colour to the Submarine Arm
Parade saluting the President’s Colour
Hon’ble President addressing the men and women on parade after presenting the President’s Colour
Hon’ble President Ram Nath Kovind with Adm Sunil Lanba, CNS, Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-C ENC along with serving and retired Flag Officers of Submarine Arm and Commanding Officers of Submarines
Adm Sunil Lanba CNS presenting a memento to the Hon’ble President Shri Ram Nath Kovind
Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind signing the Vsitors Book on the occasion of Presenting the President’s Colour to the Submarine Arm