India commissions first indigenous aircraft carrier

  .Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new Naval Ensign for Indian Navy at Kochi on 2 September 2022 on the sidelines of the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The new Naval Ensign has done away with the Saint George’s Cross in the centre which is symbolic of the Indian Navy’s historic association with the United Kingdom. The first change to the Indian Navy Ensign, post-independence was made in 1950, wherein the Indian tricolour was inserted on the left top corner.   2.     It may be recalled the other aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy INS Vikramaditya had visited Colombo in January 2016, generating huge interest amongst the locals and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries. In continuation of India’s maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka, a Dornier Maritime aircraft was gifted to Sri Lanka Air Force on 75^th Anniversary of India’s Independence on 15 August 2022. The Dornier will enhance the endeavours of Sri Lanka for maritime security in the region.   3.     The commissioning of the first indigenous 45,000 Tons Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant has showcased the quantum leap by India to design, build and operate an Aircraft Carrier, which is the most advanced and extremely complex platform operated at sea. The ship is 262m long and can cruise up to 28 knots. The ship can carry more than 30 aircraft and helicopters onboard including indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).