Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Senior leadership of the Indian Navy on the concluding day of the Naval Commanders’ Conference on 28 April 2022.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt , Defence Secy and other senior MoD officials were also present.
Extracts of Speech
1. It is indeed a pleasure for me to meet and address the Senior Leadership of the Navy at the Naval Commanders’ Conference. This Conference has been an important occasion to share views on key issues that confront our National Security, especially in the Maritime Domain and at the outset I wish to convey my best wishes for achieving success in all your deliberations.
2. I have interacted extensively with officers and sailors of Indian Navy in the last three years and I must commend the sea warriors for their professionalism and dedication with which they continue to perform the duty of safeguarding the Maritime interests of the nation.
3. I am cognisant that India’s maritime character and its vital geo-strategic location have played a primary role in our growth as a nation and evolution as a civilization. With increasing dependence on the seas for national development and engagement with the world, the Indian Navy, continues to protect India’s maritime interests and enables a safe and secure environment in the region.
4. The Indian Navy, over the years, has maintained a high tempo of operations. The Navy has also established a credible and responsive presence in the IOR through Mission Based Deployments. These deployments have reaffirmed Indian Navy’s position as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region. I also complement the Navy for the successful rescue operations of Seychellois national at sea, the anti-Narcotics operations in Feb this year and deployment of the Navy’s Flood relief teams in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
5. Coming to the prevailing security environment in the world, the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict has once again highlighted that being self-reliant without dependencies is a vital necessity. Indian Navy, which has been at the forefront of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Government must continue to lead the way and remain a necessary guarantor of India’s Maritime Trade, Security and National Prosperity.
6. It is heartening to note that in consonance with the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Government, the Navy has re-invested over 64% of its Capital budget into our own economy. I am told that the percentage share of modernisation budget is bound to grow upto 70 percent towards indigenous procurement, in this current financial year.
7. I must also commend the Navy on commissioning of major Naval units since the last Commanders’ Conference namely INS Visakhapatnam, the first ship of the P15B project, the fourth P75 submarine INS Vela and Navy’s second P8I squadron INAS 316 at INS Hansa, Goa.
8. It is heartening that out of 41 ships and submarines which are on order, 39 are being built in Indian shipyards. While the Navy has been at the forefront of indigenisation, it is important for us to leverage on the momentum that we have gained thus far. I urge the senior leadership to maintain their focus on futuristic capability development, to ensure that the nation’s maritime power grows in tandem with our economic interests.
9. The delivery of first indigenous Aircraft Carrier, Vikrant, would be another milestone event. I am aware that the ship has successfully completed three sea trials. All out efforts need to be made so that the ship is delivered and commissioned in the 75th year of our Independence. This would be a fitting tribute to the ‘AzadikaAmritMahotsav’.
10. Indian Navy has taken numerous initiatives to progress military diplomacy. These include gifting of two Fast Interceptor Craft to Mozambique, technical support towards refit of ships from Friendly Foreign Countries, Joint Surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zone of friendly nations and conduct of bilateral and multilateral exercises in the last six months. I was also happy to note the overwhelming participation of 39 Friendly Foreign Countries in MILAN Multi-National Naval exercise.
11. The Indian Navy has also been providing training to foreign personnel in India and over 19,000 personnel have been trained in the last four decades from over 45 Friendly Foreign Countries.
12. Jointness in operations is critical in any future wars and restructuring of Military Commands and establishment of Joint Theatre Commands is the way ahead. I am aware that adequate progress has been made towards the study on Maritime Theatre Command.
13. I take this opportunity to appreciate the role of our precious human resource who operate and maintain the Navy’s frontline units and support organisations. I also applaud Indian Navy for appointing women officers onboard frontline ships and ship borne flights. Further, the Navy would also be inducting women cadets through National Defence Academy from June this year.
14. The endeavours of the Navy to meet all commitments and remain combat ready, despite various challenges, are well appreciated.
15. Finally, I would like to reiterate that the sovereignty of our nation and prosperity is dependent on our Armed Forces. Therefore, the need for a strong and credible Indian Navy cannot be over emphasised. I am conscious of the importance of long term funding for the sustained growth of the Navy and the Navy’s consistent performance in optimally utilising the allocated budget.
16. I am sure that this Conference and the deliberations over the last three days would have presented the opportunity to Commanders to introspect on the ongoing activities; take stock of progress made, debate fresh ideas and reflect on how best we can achieve objectives in the future. I wish the Indian Navy success in all its endeavours.
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