1. It is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome you all to this year’s Navy Week Media interaction.

2. At the outset, and in keeping with this year’s Navy Week theme, which is ‘Indian Navy -Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive’, I would like to assure the nation, that as the primary manifestation of India’s maritime power, the Indian Navy stands ready to fulfil its mandate to protect our national interests in the maritime domain.

3. Before I provide you with a broad overview of the Indian Navy’s major operational activities over the past year, I would like to place on record, the Navy’s appreciation for the role played by the media in keeping our citizens informed about naval and maritime issues, thereby, contributing towards shaping a positive maritime discourse in the Country. The media has also been an active facilitator in our efforts to raise maritime consciousness across the board and showcase the distinct maritime nature of our nation.

4. I also convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Navy’s Veteran community on behalf of all serving personnel for your service to the Nation and the Navy. I have no hesitation in declaring that the three dimensional networked, forward deployed, combat ready, credible and cohesive Indian Navy of today is the result of the vision, perseverance and hard work of our veterans.

5. As you are aware, 4^th of December each year is celebrated as the Navy Day, to commemorate Indian Navy’s daring attack on Karachi and our decisive victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. This year, however, is special as we complete 50 years of this landmark event and are celebrating it as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’.

6. The year 2021, like the previous year, has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, an event that has adversely impacted nearly everyone across the globe. While we have achieved relative success against COVID-19, we cannot be complacent as some nations are re-contemplating restrictions and lockdowns to mitigate the effects of the pandemic due to rising number of cases.  In addition, the ongoing security situation on our Northern borders has added to our security complexities. This dual-challenge scenario continues as we speak and the country, collectively, continues to focus its efforts to battle the pandemic, help other nations to control the effects of the pandemic as well as to tackle our security challenges. In these testing times, the Indian Navy aims to stand steadfast in furthering our national and maritime interests.

COVID Response and Contributions

7. I will start with Navy’s continued efforts in the global fight against COVID. The Indian Navy, in fulfilling our responsibilities to the Nation and its citizens, has continued its role of being a ‘Care-Giver’ during the pandemic. Naval hospital facilities were made available to the civil administrations at various places to cater for increased healthcare requirements. In support of the national effort against COVID, we also displayed innovation in manufacture of solutions such as the Oxygen Recycling System (ORS), NavRakshak PPE and Masks, Multi fold oxygen manifold, digital stethoscope and smart nebulizer.

8. In the midst of COVID’s second wave, ten naval ships, under the aegis of Operation Samudra Setu II, transshipped more than 1100 Metric Tons of Liquid Medical Oxygen to India. The Indian Navy supported the Government’s vision of helping our friends across the seas by extending support and succor during the pandemic. Missions Sagar III to VII, reiterated India’s commitment to the region, as IN ships and aircrafts provided COVID assistance to eight friendly foreign countries across the oceans through deployment of Naval medical teams, medicines, vaccines and humanitarian aid.

9. Despite the disruptive impact of the pandemic, the Navy has maintained its operational readiness and tempo through prompt implementation of preventive protocols. Our focus on maintaining combat and mission readiness resultedin deterring any misadventure in the maritime domain, while contributing to the national COVID effort – both internally and across the seas.

Operational Achievements

10. Our ‘Mission Based Deployment’ philosophy has enhanced Indian Navy’s presence across the region enabling rapid responses to emerging security challenges. The Indian Navy has established a persistent footprint in our areas of interest. Naval deployments also serve as a deterrent to inimical interests, clearly signalling the Navy’s reach, capability and intent.

11. The Indian Navy also remains continuously deployed to curb maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden. 91 IN ships have been deployed in the region since 2008. You would recall that due to persistent efforts of the GoI and the IN, the Indian Ocean piracy ‘high risk area’ has been reduced.

12. In addition to anti-piracy, owing to heightened tensions in the Straits of Hormuz, our warships also remained deployed in the Gulf since June 2019, to reassure Indian merchant marine transiting the region. 27 Naval ships have escorted 381 Indian Flagged Merchant vessels and 305 lakh tons of cargo under the aegis of Op SANKALP.

13. Among major exercises, we conducted the Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (or TROPEX in short), wherein contingencies across the spectrum of operations were war-gamed to test and validate our Concept of Operations, hone our warfighting skills, and bolster our efforts towards maritime security in the region. The exercise witnessed participation of all our operational ships, submarines and aircraft, as well as units from IA, IAF and CG. As part of TROPEX, we also conducted a large scale Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Ex SEA VIGIL’ involving all maritime security stakeholders.

IN’s Contribution to GoI Initiatives

14. I will now speak briefly on IN’s contribution to various GoI initiatives.

SAGAR and Neighbourhood First Policy

15. Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ – Security And Growth for All in the Region – IN participated in 22 bilateral and multilateral exercises, this year. These include exercises like Varuna with French Navy in April, INDRA with Russian Navy in July, Konkan with Royal Navy in August, MALABAR with QUAD nations in August and October, AUSINDEX with Australian Navy in Setember, JIMEX with JMSDF in October and the most recent exercise, SITMEX, with Singapore and Thailand Navies, in November this year. These exercises have contributed immensely to enhanced Cooperation and trust. Further, the complexity of some of these exercises has been increased, leading to greater mutual understanding and interoperability. We undertook Joint EEZ surveillance with Mauritius, as well as Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) with Thailand and Indonesia. IN ships were deployed to undertake hydrographic surveys for friendly littoral countries, on their request, for about 110 days. We handed over one Dornier aircraft, in passenger variant, to the Government of Mauritius in September this year. Our hydrographic team is also a part of the 42^nd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica to conduct surveys off Indian stations Maitri and Bharti. Our engagement with friendly foreign countries, through initiatives like the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) as well as Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) under the IONS construct, aim to develop areas of convergence and cooperation, including through elements of capacity building and capability enhancement. These engagements help improve interoperability, enhance security, and reaffirm our commitment to be the ‘First Port of Call’ for our friendly maritime nations in the IOR.

16. While we improve operational capabilities and forge closer maritime ties with our neighbours and partners, we also continue to be proactive in rendering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. INS Kiltan provided succor to Vietnam in the aftermath of massive floods in Dec last year. IN helicopters conducted medical evacuation of one Malaysian and one Pilipino crew off Mumbai and Kochi respectively. INS Talwar provided technical assistance to an adrift motor vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Our Dornier and ALH detachments at Maldives continue to perform crucial lifesaving missions. Approximate 100 evacuation missions have been undertaken by our detachment there over the last year. The prompt response to these contingencies demonstrate our resolve to be the ‘First Responder’ in the region.

17. Even at the national level, the IN has promptly responded to all contingencies. Sixteen IN ships and twelve aircraft were deployed during extensive Search and Rescue operations in the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Tauktae’. In addition, we provided HADR assistance post cyclone ‘Yass’ off Odisha coast.
18. Information is a critical building block towards ensuring comprehensive maritime security for the region. In this endeavour, the Information Fusion Centre at Gurugram has established itself as the hub of maritime security information in the IOR, through white shipping exchange agreements with 22 countries and one Multi-national Construct. International Liaison Officers from 14 countries have been invited to join the centre, of which 09 ILOs have joined and the remaining are likely to join shortly.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat

19. As far as self-reliance in the Defence sector is concerned, in building a future Navy, we remain committed to the vision of ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Aatmanirbharata’ across all domains – surface, sub-surface and air.

20. Indian Navy’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ is evident from the fact that all 28 ships and submarines commissioned into the Navy over the last seven years have been built in India. Further, of the 39 ships and submarines, currently under construction, 37 are being built at Indian shipyards. These include the Aircraft Carrier - Vikrant, P-15B Class Destroyers, P17A class stealth Frigates and Scorpene class submarines. Amongst these projects, Vikrant has completed two sea sorties as part of her Contractor Sea Trials. The indigenous design and construction of an Aircraft Carrier by the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited is a shining example of our quest for ‘AatmaNirbharta’ with more than 76% indigenous content.

21. Visakhapatnam, the first of the P 15B destroyers, was commissioned last month and the remaining three ships of the class are likely to be delivered by 2024.  ‘Himgiri’, the second of the seven ships of P17A frigates was launched in December last year at GRSE, Kolkata.

22. Modernisation of our submarine arm is also underway. We have commissioned four of the six boats of the indigenous Scorpene class submarines. This year, we commissioned the third boat, Karanj in March and, the fourth boat, Vela in November. The fifth boat Vagir has also been launched.

23. As regards to indigenisation in aviation, we inducted nine ALH MK III, two Chetak, and two Dornier aircraft this year. The first ALH MK III squadron was commissioned at Goa as INAS 323 in April 21.

24. Our Aatmanirbharta initiatives are not only focussed on operational platforms, but also extend to infrastructure development, which underpin our ability to undertake and support operations. The most important amongst IN’s infrastructure project is Project Seabird at Karwar which is progressing on track. Construction of seven operational and two refit piers, creation of a full-fledged Naval Dockyard, upgrading of the hospital at Karwar and construction of a Naval Air Station are planned during this Phase. Additionally, IN infrastructure plans are also focussing on our island territories which are a springboard to our operations and enhance our sustenance and reach. Towards this end, phase II of Jetty extension at Port Blair has been completed in March this year.

25. I would also like to inform you that Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) exists for 72 projects worth Rs 1,97,359 (One lakh ninety seven thousand three hundred and fifty nine) crores, of which 59 projects worth 1,74,027 (One lakh seventy four thousand twenty seven) crores, that is over 88%, are for indigenous development. Through these projects, we will also aim to provide as much impetus as possible to the Startup India and Skill India initiatives.

StartUp India

26. Coming to StartUp India. In the last year, we have supported, funded and hand-held more than 35 startups and MSMEs for various projects towards developing niche technologies or products for the Navy.

27. IN is actively participating in the Defence Indian Start-Up Challenge (DISC); and is encouraging Indian Defence Industries and Start-ups through iDEX. 19 problem statements are being progressed through 24 startups towards fostering an ecosystem for innovation and technology development for defence applications.

28. Additionally, 17 Technology Development Fund (TDF) projects are being pursued by the IN in partnership with DRDO for developing niche technologies that will form the kernel of equipment to be fitted onboard our platforms.

29. In order to enhance the Navy’s interactions with the industry, we are actively pursuing an ‘Industry Yatra’, through the recently established Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), to match the existing industrial capabilities with our requirements and provide a fillip to innovation.

Skill India

30. Now Skill India. As I have already brought out, most of our capability accretion projects are indigenous. In addition to ploughing back a large portion of the naval budget back into our economy, these projects accrue numerous downstream benefits such as employment generation in shipyards, ancillary industries and MSMEs, thereby driving the creation of a skilled workforce.

31. Further, as a multi-dimensional force, our personnel imbibe significant skills during their service to the nation. In order to ensure that these skills contribute to nation building even after they hang their uniforms, the IN is exploring various opportunities to support the Skill India programme by concluding MoUs with various leading MNCs. Last year, we have facilitated employment of 88 personnel to these MNCs. MoUs have recently been concluded with two companies through which close to 100 personnel are pursuing their second career options.

Digital India

32. Towards the Digital India initiative, which aims at creation of digital infrastructure and delivering services digitally, the IN has taken great strides through implementation of Naval Communication Network Programme. This state of the art digital communication backbone is planned to be commissioned during the first quarter of 2022 and would provide seamless communication and delivery of digital services to naval bases spread across the country.
33. In order to ensure that every Indian is provided with a fair opportunity to join the Navy, the IN has shifted to a ‘computer based examination’ called Indian Naval Entrance Test (INET) in February 2018. Since then, we have endeavoured to conduct two examinations per year with an approximate participation of 6-8 lakhs candidates in every edition. The Indian Naval Civilian Entrance Test (INCET) has also been structured on similar lines for recruitment of defence civilians.

34. We have also made significant progress in implementation of Government e-Market (GeM). More than 26,000 orders worth Rs. 778 Croreshave been placed on the GeM portal till date. For the current Financial Year, IN has already achieved more than 80% of our annual target, by placing orders worth Rs. 431.69 Crores against an allocated Rs. 532 Crores, within the first 8 months. We intend to continue enhancing use of GeM in our procurement processes.

35. IN has actively participated in SeHAT OPD project which aims to provide medical tele-consultation services to all personnel and dependents of the Armed Forces including ECHS beneficiaries. Initially, we had nominated 75 Medical Officers across all Commands for this project. However, with the migration of the project to NIC server, we have empaneled many more Medical officers and extended the facility to ECHS beneficiaries as well.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

36. As part of commemoration of 75 glorious years of Independence, the Indian Navy is undertaking numerous activities across the nation and beyond. On 15 Aug 21, the Indian Flag was hoisted simultaneously in four overseas locations by IN ships. Additionally, with an aim to promote maritime consciousness, commemorative visits are being undertaken by IN ships to 75 Indian ports, Other activities include conduct of quiz competitions spanning 118 Schools, participation of MARCOS in skydiving demonstration, visits to 75 islands, interactions at 75 fishing villages, Sail Parades at Kochi, Mumbai and Vizag, and Offshore sailing race from Kochi to Goa onboard INSVs Mhadei.

37. Based on the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s idea, 75 sentences used in daily life were translated into Hindi, Devanagari, English and 21 other Indian languages and hosted in Naval Intranet portal for naval personnel to gain familiarity with more number of Indian languages.

Swarnim Vijay Varsh

38. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav coincides with ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. As a mark of solemn tribute and celebration of victory in the 1971 war, four ‘Victory Flames’ (one from each cardinal direction) are being taken across the nation and Bangladesh by tri-Services Teams. The four flames are being brought back to Delhi for amalgamation into the eternal flame at the National War Memorial. A special memorial service is also being planned at the Khukri memorial at Diu on 16 Dec 21.

39. This year is also being celebrated by Bangladesh as ‘MujiboBarsho’, marking the birth centenary of Bangladesh’s Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Two IN Shipswere deployed to Mongla, Bangladesh in March 2021 to jointly commemorate these occasions of historical significance to both nations. 

Empowerment of Women

40. I will now briefly touch upon recent developments in consonance with the Government of India’s objective to empower women.

41. We have taken measures towards providing additional opportunities for women officers in the Navy. Women officers have been appointed onboard almost all major warships, the first woman Provost officer joined the specialization in March this year, and induction of women officers into the Information Technology Branch will commence from June next year.

42. Modalities for downstream training of Women as cadet entry at NDA are being worked out. The Navy is fully prepared in all respects to induct and absorb women across a wide spectrum of roles and responsibilities.

Defence Reforms

43. A few words are also in order about the defence reforms currently underway in India. I would like to reiterate the Navy’s wholehearted support for reforms in our Higher Defence Organisation, and on enhancing Tri-Service Synergy. We are looking at establishment of the ‘Maritime Theatre Command’ in the near future, which would further buttress ‘Joint planning and Joint application of force’ in the maritime domain. The details are being worked out and may be finalised by the mid of next year.

44. To Conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to reiterate that despite the complex security scenario in the region and the adverse impact of COVID-19, the Indian Navy, as a cohesive team, maintained our operational tempo and ensured security of all our maritime interests.

45. As we move forward, it will be our endeavour to remain combat ready at all times. We will work closely with other Services and Governmental Agencies to ensure that our nation’s security remains uncompromised.

46. Our commitment to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ will be reinforced by indigenisation of major equipment and systems through multiple avenues including the flagship ‘Make in India’ campaign. We will continue with our sustained efforts to support the national initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Startup India and other GoI initiatives.

47. Indian Navy is also conscious of its role and responsibility as the premier maritime force in the region. In keeping with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for the Indo-Pacific Region - SAGAR, - Security and Growth for All in the Region, the Navy will remain at the forefront of cooperative engagements, founded on a free, open, inclusive and rules-based approach to regional maritime security.

48. On behalf of all uniformed and civilian personnel of the Indian Navy, I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to our countrymen on the occasion of Navy Day.

49. Finally, I would like to thank the Government of India for giving me the honour and privilege of leading this fine Service. Lord Napier’s words are apt and relevant that ‘A man who commands an Army (in this case the Navy) cannot succeed unless his whole mind in thrust into his work. The great art of commanding is to take a fair share of the work the more trouble, the more labour must be given; the more danger, the more pluck must be shown till all is over powered.” I will follow this fully. My aim is to build on the legacy of my predecessors, without any disruptive changes, whilst seeking disruptive technology to find better ways of doing our job at sea. Our focus will be ships first so that the operational units and the personnel manning them are empowered, enabled and supported to the hilt. 

50. Jai Hind. Sam no Varunah.  

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