Highlighting that over 90 per cent of India’s trade uses the sea route, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said the Indian Navy was playing a significant role not just in national security but in the wider process of nation building.

Speaking on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Submarine Arm of Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, Kovind said the Navy is India’s primary instrument of sea power.

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“Our maritime interests are directly linked to India’s economy and security, and to the well-being of our people. Over 90 per cent of our trade by volume uses the sea route,” said Kovind after presenting the President’s Colours to the Submarine Arm.

“This enhances the role of the Indian Navy in the wider process of nation building,” he said further adding that navy was the “guardian” of India’s maritime interests both military and civilian.

Presenting President’s Colour to the Submarine Arm on the occasion, Kovind said on this day in 1967, Naval Ensign and the National Flag were hoisted on the first Indian Naval Submarine, Kalvari.

“The President’s Colour is being presented today to the Submarine Arm of the Indian Navy in recognition of extraordinary service to the nation, in peace and war, in the past 50 years,” Kovind said.

“I wish you the very best for the future. May you ever rule the waters,” he added.

Noting that in the past 50 years, 25 submarines have been in commission at various points, Kovind said, “quietly and without much fanfare”, the submarines have had major operational achievements in the 1971 War, Operation Vijay (1999), and Operation Parakram (2002).

“I pay homage to Indian Navy submariners who have laid down their lives in the service of India. The valiant submariners of the Indian Navy carry out their professional responsibilities with great skill and at grave risk,” he said.

President Kovind, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces arrived in the city on a two-day visit on Thursday and this is his first visit to Visakhapatnam after assuming office.

On Thursday, Kovind had inaugurated an Aircraft Museum on Beach Road, laid the foundation stone for an e-classroom complex and incubation centre and declared the opening of the Centre for Defence Studies at Andhra University.

The President will return to Delhi on Friday evening.