Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday said that India does not have any aggressive designs nor does it seek to threaten anyone but has to take all measures necessary to safeguard the county.
Speaking at the launch of the country's nuclear-powered submarine, Arihant, for sea trials, he said that the sea was increasingly becoming relevant in the context of security interest and India must re-adjust its military preparedness to this changing environment.
"We do not have any aggressive designs nor do we seek to threaten anyone. We seek an external environment in our region and beyond that is conducive to our peaceful development and the protection of our value systems," said the Prime Minister.
"Nevertheless it is incumbent upon us to take all measures necessary to safeguard our country and to keep pace with technological advancements world. It has rightly been said that eternal vigilance is the right price for liberty," he added.
Congratulating everyone associated with the Advanced Technology Vessel (N-submarine) programme for achieving a "historic milestone in the country's defence preparedness", he said, "Today's launch is a reflection of the immense technical expertise that exists in our country and the strength of our research and development organisations."
"More importantly, the launch represents the determination and patriotism of our technologists, scientists and defence personnel who have overcome several hurdles and barriers to enable the country to acquire self-reliance in the most advanced areas of defence technology," said Singh.
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