Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov congratulated India over the commissioning of its first indigenous aircraft carrier IAC Vikrant by calling it a proud moment and saying that it showed that the South Asian nation was moving fast towards becoming a self-reliant and global power.
"It's a proud moment for India they built an indigenous major aircraft carrier. India is moving towards self-reliance and has shown that it's moving fastly towards becoming a major global power. The world needs a super strong India," the Russian envoy said.
"We are very much committed and enthusiastic about future cooperation between Russia and India in trade, technology, production and other fields despite current difficulties and tensions in the world," he added.
The aircraft carrier was commissioned by prime minister Narendra Modi at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in the coastal city of Kochi in the southern state of Kerala -- marking a significant step of his government towards self-reliance in the defence sector.
Vikrant, which has been designed by the Indian Navy's in-house Warship Design Bureau and built by CSL, a public sector shipyard under the Indian ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. It has been made with state-of-the-art automation features and is the largest ship ever made in India's maritime history.
The ship has been named after her illustrious predecessor INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier which had played a vital role in the 1971 war.
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A rescuer assists a resident through heavy mud following flash floods on August 27, 2026 in Trishuli, Nepal. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing, as the death toll started to climb.Getty Images
Rescue personnel provide medical treatment to a child at an army rescue camp in Trishuli Batar, Nepal, on August 27, 2026. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure, as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing as the death toll began to climb. Getty Ima
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