President Ram Nath Kovind said the world today looks at India differently and the country is seen as an eminent power expected to play a prominent role in shaping the global paradigm with regard to international security, trade and commerce, and environmental protection.
“I have just returned from a visit to Vietnam and Australia. I held discussions with the leaders of both these countries on different areas of mutual interest such as defence, international security, trade and culture. The deliberations made one thing amply clear — the world looks at India differently today,” he said here on Thursday.
“India’s rise in the international order has many dimensions to it and draws heavily from the capabilities and valour of our armed forces,” Kovind said.
“Though we remain firmly committed to peace, we are determined to use all our might to protect the sovereignty of our nation. Whenever an occasion demands, our brave men and women in uniform have ensured that the nation has dealt with the security challenges forcefully and effectively. Our armed forces, exemplified by the air warriors who stand before us, reflect our firm resolve to defend our nation,” he added.
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal greets President Ram Nath Kovind in Guwahati on Thursday Picture by UB Photos
The President, who is the supreme commander of the country’s armed forces, presented the President’s Standard to the air force’s Guwahati-based 118 Helicopter Unit and the President’s Colours to Air Defence College in Lucknow for their outstanding performance. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi and chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, among other dignitaries, attended the function at the air force station here at Borjhar.
The President’s Standard and Colours are the highest military honour for the armed forces units for the meritorious services rendered by them over at least 25 years. This award is an acknowledgement of the operational excellence, dedication and the proven contribution of the unit during both peace and war.
“Both these units have distinguished themselves with stellar service to the nation. They have a rich history of professional excellence and have discharged their responsibilities with distinction. The nation honours them today for their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity,” Kovind said.
Some of the highlights of the programme were a flypast by a formation of three Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and IAF choppers and a performance by the IAF’s aerobatics team, Sarang, with its Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters.
