President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday presented the ‘President’s Standard’ to the 22nd Missile Vessels Squadron of the Indian Navy at a ceremonial event in Mumbai.

The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established at Mumbai in October 1991 with ten Veer Class and three Prabal Class missile boats.

Speaking on the occasion, Kovind said, “The presentation of the Standard is a testimony to the exceptional service rendered by officers and sailors, past and present of this squadron to our nation.”

He recalled the role played by the 22nd Missile Squadron in sinking Pakistan Naval ships during the 1971 war fifty years ago, and said, “Over the years the ‘Killers’ squadron has constantly evolved through the induction of the Veer and Prabal class of ships. I am happy to note that the Prabal class ships are built in India. It showcases the Navy’s commitment towards indigenization and our vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”

The President said that he looks at this commitment of the Navy as a tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who is regarded by many historians as the founder of India’s battle-ready naval force in the 17th century.

Kovind said that India is a maritime nation and the Indian Navy has a huge role to play in the furtherance of our foreign policy and in protecting our national interests and commercial aspirations. “It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Indian Navy has been successfully safeguarding our extensive maritime interests with resolve and tenacity,” he said.  

Kovind also lauded the role played by the Indian Navy in rendering assistance to the people during humanitarian crises or natural disasters and praised its role in the repatriation of citizens during Covid-19 as well as the rescue operations during Cyclone Tauktae off the Maharashtra-Gujarat coast last year.

He further said that a large share of global maritime trade transits through the Indian Ocean Region. “Therefore, maintaining peace and tranquility in this region is of paramount importance, not only for us but also for the entire global community.”

The President’s Standard is the highest honor bestowed by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces to a military unit in recognition of the service rendered to the nation.

The President’s Standard ceremony saw a ceremonial parade that began with the naval armed guard presenting a salute of arms to the President followed by the presentation of the Standard. The ceremony concluded with a Continuity Drill performance by naval personnel and an operational demonstration by MARCOS and naval helicopters.

The Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, civilian and military dignitaries were present at the ceremony.