If needed, India will use its might to protect the sovereignty: President Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind reviews the parade during the President’s Colour Presentation ceremony held at Air Force Station, Sulur, in Coimbatore on Monday.   | Photo Credit: Ranvijay

Weeks after the terror strike at Pulwama and the counter strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at terror bases in Pakistan’s Balakot, President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that India remains firmly committed to peace, but will use its might to protect the nation’s sovereignty in case the need arises.

“I am confident that our valiant men and women in uniform will rise to the occasion. Our armed forces, exemplified by the air warriors who stand before us, reflect our firm resolve to defend our nation. This valour and professionalism was on display very recently, as the IAF carried out preemptive strikes on a known terrorist camp,” said Mr. Kovind at Air Force Station, Sulur in Coimbatore.

Mr. Kovind accorded President’s Colours to two units of the IAF — 5 Base Repair Depot (BRD), Air Force Station, Sulur, and Air Force Station, Hakimpet.

The President said that the IAF has also been at the forefront of all humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations besides safeguarding the sovereign skies of our nation. “The resilience and tenacity displayed by our valiant air warriors is a great source of pride for the nation,” he added.

The 5 BRD epitomised its motto ‘Kaya Kalp’, complete transformation, by its expertise in overhauling Kiran and Dornier aircraft, he said praising the unit for its efforts towards 'Make in India' campaign.

Mr. Kovind lauded Air Force Station, Hakimpet, for its contributions in Indo-Pak wars in 1965 and 1971. He pointed that the unit was offering quality training to women pilots for helicopter from 1995 and women fighter pilots from 2016.

The President reviewed a parade presented by 583 air warriors from the 5 BRD, Air Force Stations Hakimpet and Air Force Station, Sulur.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa and senior officers of the IAF took part in the ceremony.

The ‘Akash Ganga’ parachute team, ‘Sarang’ helicopter acrobatic display team, Tejas squadron and the Air Force Band displayed their skills at the ceremony.