Jamnagar/ New Delhi, March 25 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said the Indian Navy has emerged as a combat-ready, credible and cohesive force, and is the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region. He presented the prestigious President’s Colour to INS Valsura. The President’s Colour is bestowed upon a military t in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the Nation, both in peace and in war. “It is a matter of great pride that it has consistently evolved to safeguard our extensive maritime interests with resolve and tenacity,” he said . The ‘Nishan Adhikari’ Lt Arun Singh Sambyal received the President’s Colour on behalf of the t during a parade. The t paraded a 150-men Guard of Honour for the Supreme Commandeo. Over 800 Officers and men of INS Valsura, in their ceremonial robes, marched to the tunes of the Naval Band. Kovind noted that the Indian Navy is continuously enhancing its strength keeping in mind the long-term perspective plans and towards meeting the expanding range of missions. He expressed confidence that INS Valsura would continue to equip the officers and sailors with the requisite skill-set to ensure combat worthiness of complex weaponry, electronics and IT equipment fitted onboard ships and submarines. The President said that it is a matter of great pride to bestow the President’s Colour to INS Valsura in recognition of its exceptional service rendered to the Nation, in peace and during war. Pointing to the fact that INS Valsura was commissioned as a Torpedo Training School during World War II to enhance capability of the Royal Indian Navy, he said that over the last 79 years, it has transformed into a premier technical training institution. Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi along with other senior civil and military dignitaries were present on the occasion. ASU ING