Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that India would neither threaten any country, nor be intimidated by any power but would engage with all nations as equals.

Addressing Naval officers and sailors after dedicating the ultra-modern aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya to the Navy, off Goa coast he said , technology is now as important as skill and bravery for superiority of the armed forces.

He said India would move towards self-reliance and indigenous production in defence equipment sector, shedding dependence on imports. Procured from Russia, Vikramaditya is the most powerful symbol of Indian Navy’s military strength reach.

It was commissioned in November last year by then Defence Minister AK Antony at Russia's Sevmash shipyard. Describing the acquisition of the new warship by the Navy as a golden chapter in the history of India’s maritime security, the Prime Minister said a secure India is the first requirement for the country to progress and scale new heights. Our correspondent reports that Modi chose the warship for his first outing after taking over as Prime Minister.

It was Prime Minister’s day at sea. He spent about three and half hours onboard ship and witnessed breathtaking display of naval capabilities which included a rocket firing demo, an air power demo and a steam past by naval ships.

The exercise was interrupted for a while due to intermittent rains. Twelve frontline ships including latest frigates and destroyers besides INS Viraat did a steam past along INS Vikramaditya as the Prime Minister watched.