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INS Vikrant sees a Foreign PM on Board for the First Time
9 March 2023 marked a significant moment for the INS Vikrant, India's first domestically-produced aircraft carrier, as it welcomed a foreign Prime Minister on board for the first time. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is currently on an official visit to India, received a guard of honour on the carrier, and expressed his government's commitment to strengthening Australia's relationship with India.
He said that his visit reflected his Government's commitment to place India at the heart of Australia's approach to the Indo-Pacific and beyond. He, also, praised the vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating the defence relationship between the two countries.
India and Australia have a strong strategic partnership, and have plans for several joint naval exercises, including the upcoming Malabar Naval Exercise, which will include Japan and the US. In addition, India will participate, for the first time, in Australia's Talisman Sabre exercise.
Earlier in the day, both Prime Ministers, Modi and Albanese, watched the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad for half an hour.
INS Vikrant, which was commissioned into the Navy in September last year, is an impressive 45,000-tonne warship that was built at a cost of ₹ 20,000 crore. It is also the largest warship to be built in India, measuring 262 metres long and 62 metres wide. It is capable of carrying up to 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and helicopters, and can accommodate a crew of almost 1,600.