After air, President takes to water

MUMBAI : After flying a Sukhoi fighter aircraft, President Pratibha Patil arrived on board INS Viraat on Wednesday to witness a steampast by naval

ships, submarines and a demonstration by helicopters and Sea Harriers. India\'s only aircraft carrier is celebrating its golden jubilee year.

The President said efforts taken by the Navy and allied forces after 26/11 would give positive results. Addressing sailors and officers inside INS Viraat, she said, \"Mumbai terror attacks are a grim reminder of the harm that can be perpetuated through sea by elements inimical to India. I am aware that numerous measures have been initiated to enhance coastal security. The Indian Navy and other stakeholders in the maritime domain are playing a proactive role to bring about synergy and establish Standard Operating Procedures to prevent the re-occurrence of such an incident. I\'m confident that these efforts would ensure positive results.\"

She said the government was committed to the process of modernising the Navy in keeping with the changing requirements of the 21st century. The launch of \'Arihant\' in July this year was an important milestone in this regard for an equitable balance of power in the region, she said, adding, \"I am informed that many new ships, submarines and aircraft construction and acquisition projects are at various stages of completion and would help transform Navy to even more reckonable force.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com