The nuclear submarine Chakra was inducted into the Indian Navy at the solemn ceremony at the Vishakhapatnam station on April 4.
The event was attended by high-profile personalities including Defence Minister AK Antony, Minister of State for Defence MM Palam Raju, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma and others.
Ambassador of Russia to India also graced the induction ceremony. Addressing distinguished guests of the ceremony, Ambassador Kadakin said that it was matter of pride for him as a representative of his country to be present for the landmark defence-related induction ceremony, according to the press-release of the Russian Embassy in India.
"The long-awaited INS Chakra’s induction into the Indian Navy is a milestone event not only for India’s armed forces but it is also a shining example of very confidential strategic cooperation between Russia and India, a new phase in its progress," said Alexander Kadakin at the induction ceremony.
“There is no other country on earth ready to share everything India needs,” said Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin. “Today is a very special occasion,” he added. “It is my honour and pleasure to be here this morning.”
Almost 25 years ago Vishakhapatnam was the station for India’s first leased nuclear-powered submarine with the same name, Chakra. It was a vessel of the previous generation.
“Today we are witnessing the Chakra’s reincarnation,” Ambassador Kadakin emphasised.
He compared the INS Chakra to heroes of the great Indian epics, saying that this new avatar of the nuclear submarine with the same name is much more superior, powerful and formidable.
Alexander Kadakin stressed that the best traditions of military cooperation between the two countries are cherished and upheld.
“We do not want to compete with others,” Ambassador Kadakin said. “Unlike so-called competitors, Russia, as India’s best friend, is just supplying it with everything best it can give and with everything India needs.”
Alexander Kadakin said that Russia wants to see India a strong power in every way capable to combat any challenge or threat with pride and confidence, as a great power in the making.
Ambassador Kadakin spoke of Russian-Indian cooperation in other fields – be it the fifth generation fighter jet, the world’s best supersonic cruise missile BrahMos or the world’s safest nuclear units in Kudankulam, comparing those strategic projects for India’s future to the Bhilai and Bokaro in 1960s-70s.
“That is why our relationship has reached the unique level of special and privileged strategic partnership,” said Alexander Kadakin.
Ambassador Kadakin noted that it is symbolic that today’s ceremony takes place on the eve of a memorable date – the 65th anniversary of Russian-Indian diplomatic relations established on April 13, 1947, even before India became free of foreign yoke. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of military cooperation between the two countries. The INS Chakra’s induction into the Indian Navy is a precious gift on both the anniversaries, Alexander Kadakin said.
Ambassador Kadakin gave his warmest greetings to Raksha Mantri and Admiral Verma, as well as to all servicemen of the Navy, first of all of the INS Chakra. Alexander Kadakin also thanked all ship-builders – engineers, designers and workers in Russia’s Far East – who made this beautiful vessel.
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