India's Defense Minister Praises Navy's Role in Safeguarding Maritime Interests

New Delhi – During the second edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing significance of the Indian Navy in promoting peace and security across the Indian Ocean region. He lauded the Navy's efforts in securing the region's economic and strategic interests, noting India’s emerging role as a preferred security partner.

Addressing the importance of the Indian Ocean, Singh highlighted its critical role in global trade while underlining threats such as piracy, drone and missile attacks, and disruptions to sea cable networks. He praised the Indian Navy's anti-piracy missions and its prompt responses, which have gained global recognition.

Singh also stressed the need for the Navy to maintain vigilance in the volatile geopolitical landscape. He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to strengthening the Navy with advanced ships and submarines, many of which are being built domestically. He noted that 64 vessels are currently under construction, with 24 more on order, marking a shift towards self-reliance.

The Defence Minister underscored the importance of indigenisation, revealing that over two-thirds of the Navy's modernisation budget has been allocated for indigenous procurement in the past five years. He encouraged the Navy to further its efforts toward achieving full self-reliance by 2047.

Highlighting the need for enhanced coordination between the Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, Shri Singh reiterated the importance of joint operations for safeguarding India's maritime security. The conference concluded with a technology demonstration, showcasing innovative solutions developed by Navy R&D units and other organisations.

The biannual Naval Commanders' Conference provides a strategic platform for addressing key operational and administrative challenges, especially amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and regional maritime security concerns.