INS Vikrant represents a historic milestone for India as the country’s first aircraft carrier to be designed and constructed domestically. Built with approximately 76 per cent indigenous content, the warship stands as a testament to India’s expanding industrial capacity, technological expertise and engineering excellence in creating complex defence platforms.
The aircraft carrier symbolises India’s transition from a major importer of defence equipment to an emerging global defence manufacturing hub. Its construction involved extensive collaboration between the Indian Navy, public sector undertakings, private industry and research institutions across the country.
Strategic and Educational Significance
Strategically placed within the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, the scale model offers visitors a contextual understanding of India’s maritime doctrine and the crucial role aircraft carriers play in safeguarding national interests. The exhibition explains how carrier battle groups enhance power projection, deterrence and humanitarian response capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The scale model on display was earlier presented by Admiral R. Hari Kumar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring its symbolic value in India’s defence narrative. The museum display integrates historical context with contemporary security challenges, making it accessible to students, researchers and the general public alike.
India Joins an Elite Global Club
Speaking at the inauguration, Admiral R. Hari Kumar highlighted the global significance of INS Vikrant. He noted that with its induction, India has joined a select group of only nine countries worldwide capable of building an aircraft carrier, a feat that reflects both strategic intent and technological maturity.
He emphasised that strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing is critical not only for operational readiness but also for strategic autonomy. “INS Vikrant underscores the importance of Make in India weapon systems and the need to sustain momentum in indigenous defence development,” he said.
Fostering National Pride and Awareness
PMML Director Ashwani Lohani said that exhibitions such as the INS Vikrant scale model play a vital role in nurturing national pride. By showcasing landmark achievements, museums can connect citizens with the country’s strategic vision and inspire future generations to contribute to nation-building.
The exhibition aligns with PMML’s broader objective of documenting India’s governance, leadership and institutional evolution. By placing defence achievements within this narrative, the museum reinforces the idea that national security and self-reliance are integral to India’s democratic and developmental journey.
Strengthening Maritime Security
INS Vikrant significantly enhances India’s maritime posture by expanding the Navy’s operational reach and flexibility. Aircraft carriers serve as floating airbases, enabling sustained operations across vast maritime spaces and supporting missions ranging from combat to disaster relief.
As geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific evolve, platforms like INS Vikrant strengthen India’s ability to ensure stability, protect sea lanes and contribute to regional security. The exhibition highlights these dimensions, offering visitors insight into how maritime power underpins national sovereignty.
By bringing INS Vikrant closer to the public through this exhibition, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya reinforces awareness of India’s defence achievements and the collective effort behind building a secure, self-reliant and confident nation.