India, June 22 -- Underlining that strong maritime prowess and capability are the deciding factors for a nation's economic and strategic influence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday here said India recognises this and is preparing for it.

Making this assertion here after commissioning three indigenously built naval ships at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, he also said India does not want to remain only a buyer country in the defence sector, and the nation's armed forces cannot become just a market for the world.

"The recognition of our capabilities lies in our self-reliance and not in becoming a market for the world," he said. "No nation can become a big power without maritime prowess. Development, security and prosperity are tied...