Following is the text of the President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s address at the colour presentation to the Eastern Naval Fleet at Visakhapatnam today

Eastern Fleet: The Nation’s pride

             “I am indeed delighted to be with you in this beautiful environment. I greet the Officers, sailors and their families and well wishers. I commend all ranks for the yeoman service rendered by them while safeguarding the maritime interest of our nation. I am aware that this is a very challenging and daunting task.

            Eastern Naval Fleet enjoys the distinction of a full-fledged operational command, whose primary role is to safeguard against aggression on the eastern front and provide security to Indian territory, ports, harbours, oil platforms and other maritime assets & resources in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Over 200 merchant ships, carrying vital cargo including 10 million barrels of crude oil, transit through the Malacca Straits every day. These vessels depend on the Indian Navy for their safe passage. The ENC also assists the Coast Guard in anti-poaching and search and rescue operations in these waters. Displaying a sustained presence of naval forces in the area of responsibility is thus another vital functional requirement of the ENC. Today, the Fleet of the Eastern Naval Command has matured into a composite force with multifarious capabilities which include guided-missile destroyers, frigates, missile corvettes, anti-submarine vessels, amphibious warfare ships, offshore patrol vessels and ASW helicopters. The ENC is also home for the Indian Navy's submarine arm, which includes a submarine base and as well as a submarine training school.

            The Eastern Fleet has been in the forefront in its roles ranging from maritime conflicts to peacekeeping operations, low intensity maritime operations and monitoring movement in sea-lanes. During the recent Tsunami, Eastern Fleet ships and aircraft responded with utmost speed to rendered assistance to the affected people and neighbouring countries.

            India occupies a central position among the nations of the Indian Ocean region. It lies in the great oceanic highway between Europe and the countries of the Far East. It also has one third of the population, one quarter of the land mass and three quarters of strategic resources of the world. This gives India immense geo-strategic importance. Thus India has a vital stake in the preservation of peace and security in the region and its neighbourhood.

            For us to live in peace we need to have economic prosperity and national security. Strength respects strength. The nations strength today in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing and service sector including the rich human resource has propelled the emergent economic growth. It is important that we integrate our national capabilities towards strengthening national security. Technology is the driving force in modern warfare. Government will provide all the resources needed for making the Fleet technologically and operationally strong and efficient. Indian Navy has been working in close cooperation with DRDO and Indian industries for developing and inducting state-of-the-art sensors, weapons, EW systems and combat management systems.

            The nation is confident that Eastern Fleet will always be the winner with your disciplined life and professionalism. The nation is proud of you and in appreciation of your services, I am delighted to present the ‘Colour’ to the Eastern Fleet. I would emphasize, this honour bestowed upon your Fleet carries with it, added responsibilities. The professionalism that you have shown has enhanced the expectations from all of you. I am confident that you will strive with dedication, discipline and valour to maintain the best traditions of your Fleet.

            I congratulate you on your remarkable turnout, bearing and steadfastness on parade. I wish you success in all your missions. May God bless you.”

* * *

YSR/DS/CS