Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi that “Operation Sindoor” showed India’s strength and readiness to meet any challenge. He praised the Navy for keeping Pakistan’s forces “in the harbor or near its coast” and for proving the armed forces’ professionalism on a global stage.
Singh said the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is no longer a quiet backwater. “It’s a hub of both competition and cooperation,” he explained. The Navy’s growing presence brings comfort to friendly neighbours and lets the world know India will defend stability in the IOR.
In the last 18 months, Indian warships, submarines and aircraft have been deployed in larger numbers than ever. The fleet has also secured safe passage for about 335 merchant ships, carrying roughly 1.2 million metric tonnes of cargo worth $5.6 billion. This shows India is a reliable partner in worldwide trade.
He highlighted the push for a self‑reliant navy. “Ten years ago, only about 33 % of our naval procurement was from Indian companies,” Singh said. “Today, 67 % comes from local industry, supported by small and medium‑sized enterprises and startups.” He pointed to Project 17A destroyers, whose 75 % indigenous content created 127 000 jobs at shipyards like MDL and GRSE.
Singh also noted that modern war‑fighting relies on tech, networks and autonomous systems rather than just ships. “We must protect ourselves against enemy technology while boosting our own capabilities,” he said.
The conference also welcomed key officers, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat. It is a forum where the navy’s leaders share ideas with government and plan how best to guard India’s western and eastern coasts, drive indigenisation under the Make‑in‑India strategy, and expand India’s reach in the Indo‑Pacific.
India’s efforts to build a stronger navy also benefit the economy and employ young people, Singh added. By tying security projects to job creation, the Indian Navy is entering a new era of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”—a self‑sufficient, technology‑driven maritime future.
Source: ianslive
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