Rajnath Singh Praises Indian Navy at Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for its crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean during the second edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi. He described the region as valuable and sensitive due to its economic, geopolitical, trade, and security aspects.
Singh noted that India, once a landlocked country with sea shores, is now seen as an island country with land borders. He highlighted the Navy’s significant contributions in protecting economic interests and ensuring the smooth movement of goods in the Indian Ocean region. The Navy’s anti-piracy operations have garnered global appreciation, making India a preferred security partner in the region.
The Defence Minister emphasized the importance of the Navy’s growing strength in the Indo-Pacific region and urged the Commanders to remain vigilant and prepared for any situation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the Navy’s capabilities by inducting state-of-the-art ships and submarines, focusing on self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar).
Singh revealed that 64 ships and submarines are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, with orders placed for 24 additional platforms. He highlighted that over two-thirds of the Navy’s modernization budget in the last five years has been spent on indigenous procurement, accelerating the development of the domestic defense ecosystem.
While praising the Navy’s indigenization efforts, Singh encouraged the Commanders to further strengthen their resolve to achieve self-reliance. He expressed confidence that transforming the Navy from a ‘Buyer’ to a ‘Builder’ would make it fully self-reliant by 2047.
The Defence Minister also stressed the importance of jointness and optimal resource utilization, calling for more coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to enhance maritime security. The conference, a biannual event, facilitates discussions on significant strategic, operational, and administrative issues among the Naval Commanders, shaping the future course of the Indian Navy amid evolving geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics.
Doubts Revealed
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for the country’s defense and military matters.
Indian Navy -: The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It protects India’s maritime borders and helps in various operations at sea.
Naval Commanders’ Conference -: This is a meeting where top leaders of the Indian Navy discuss important issues and plans for the future.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is where many important government buildings and offices are located.
Indian Ocean -: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world. It is located to the south of India.
Anti-piracy operations -: These are missions to stop pirates, who are people that attack and rob ships at sea.
Indo-Pacific region -: This region includes the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It is important for trade and security.
Self-reliant -: Being self-reliant means being able to do things on your own without needing help from others. Here, it means the Navy building its own ships and submarines.
2047 -: The year 2047 is when India will celebrate 100 years of independence from British rule.
Geopolitical dynamics -: These are the ways countries interact and compete with each other on the global stage. It affects how countries make decisions about security and alliances.
