India's first homegrown carrier enters into service in tense Indo-Pacific

Vikrant represents step toward self-reliance and answer to China's blue-water advance

The Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, is slated to enter full service next year. (Handout photo from the Indian Navy) © AP

MOYURU BABA, Nikkei staff writer

September 3, 2022 01:14 JST

NEW DELHI -- India on Friday commissioned the INS Vikrant, its first indigenous aircraft carrier, marking a milestone in its push to reduce its military's reliance on foreign imports as tensions with China simmer.

The 262-meter-long ship, which can accommodate up to 30 fighter jets, cost about 200 billion rupees ($2.5 billion) to build, according to Indian media.