New Indian aircraft carrier inaugurated in Kochi - in pictures

  • Police officers take selfies on the flight deck of India's first home-built aircraft carrier, the 'INS Vikrant' after its commissioning ceremony, in Kochi. Reuters
    Police officers take selfies on the flight deck of India's first home-built aircraft carrier, the 'INS Vikrant' after its commissioning ceremony, in Kochi. Reuters
  • Navy officers on the deck of the 'INS Vikrant'.
    Navy officers on the deck of the 'INS Vikrant'.
  • A navy officer walks past a Mig 29 fighter jet on the deck of the 'INS Vikrant'.AFP
    A navy officer walks past a Mig 29 fighter jet on the deck of the 'INS Vikrant'.AFP
  • India officially launched its first locally made aircraft carrier on September 2. AFP
    India officially launched its first locally made aircraft carrier on September 2. AFP
  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the commissioning of the INS Vikrant.
    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the commissioning of the INS Vikrant.
  • Family members of Indian Navy officials have their photographs taken next to parked fighter jets and helicopters on the deck of the ship. Reuters
    Family members of Indian Navy officials have their photographs taken next to parked fighter jets and helicopters on the deck of the ship. Reuters
  • The vessel's launch is being seen as a milestone in government efforts to reduce India's dependence on foreign arms and counter China's growing military assertiveness in the region.
    The vessel's launch is being seen as a milestone in government efforts to reduce India's dependence on foreign arms and counter China's growing military assertiveness in the region.
  • The warship was built at a cost of $2.5 billion. AFP
    The warship was built at a cost of $2.5 billion. AFP
  • The vessel took 13 years to build and its name, 'Vikrant', means courageous in Hindi. AFP
    The vessel took 13 years to build and its name, 'Vikrant', means courageous in Hindi. AFP
  • Mr Modi, third right, appears on a large screen as he unveils a name plaque during the commissioning ceremony. AFP
    Mr Modi, third right, appears on a large screen as he unveils a name plaque during the commissioning ceremony. AFP
  • The 'INS Vikrant' is 262 metres long and 62m wide. AFP
    The 'INS Vikrant' is 262 metres long and 62m wide. AFP
  • The ship can accommodate a crew of nearly 1,600. AFP
    The ship can accommodate a crew of nearly 1,600. AFP
  • It can carry 30 fighter jets and helicopters. AFP
    It can carry 30 fighter jets and helicopters. AFP
  • Women stand next to a Komoho Helicopter on the deck of the 'Vikrant'. AFP
    Women stand next to a Komoho Helicopter on the deck of the 'Vikrant'. AFP
  • The warship also has a 16-bed hospital, two operating theatres and intensive care units. Reuters
    The warship also has a 16-bed hospital, two operating theatres and intensive care units. Reuters
  • The aircraft carrier was built with 75 per cent of components made locally. Reuters
    The aircraft carrier was built with 75 per cent of components made locally. Reuters
  • It weighs 45,000 tonnes. AFP
    It weighs 45,000 tonnes. AFP