Navy performed 'miracle': Rajnath on its operations to assist merchant ships in strategic sea lanes
The Hindu
Indian Navy praised for "miracle" operations in foreign waters, Defence Minister hints at second aircraft carrier construction.
The Indian Navy has performed a "miracle" (karishma), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said, heaping wholehearted praise for the force's numerous operations in foreign waters where it assisted several merchant ships commandeered or threatened by pirates.
In an exclusive interview to PTI, Mr. Singh also dropped hints of the government's readiness to positively consider the Navy's proposal for construction of a second aircraft carrier.
The Navy has been making a strong pitch for having the second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II) with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes which is estimated to cost close to ₹40,000 crore with the envisaged specifications.
Exuding confidence of the National Democratic Alliance retaining power for a third straight term, he said the new government's focus would be to make India totally self-reliant in the defence sector.
Mr. Singh said India's annual defence exports crossed ₹21,000 crore mark for the first time in 2023-24 and that his Ministry has set a target of increasing it to ₹50,000 crore in the next five-six years.
"We will take it to more than ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30," he said.
On Navy operations in the strategic waterways, Mr. Singh said the force deserves praise.
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