Future conflicts will be unpredictable and the constantly evolving world order has forced everyone to re-strategise, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday, addressing the Naval Commanders Conference that for the first time is being held outside Delhi and at sea onboard indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
According to Mr. Singh, “The Navy’s firm stance in defending national interests strengthened India’s status as ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region. “Continuous watch must be kept on the western and northern borders, as well as the full coastline. We must be equipped to meet all upcoming obstacles.
According to a statement from the Navy, the conference provides a venue for Naval Commanders to interact with senior government officials and discuss crucial security problems at the military-strategic level. This year’s meeting is being held for the first time.
Speaking of military modernization and the importance of independence, Mr. Singh claimed that the defense industry had become a significant demand generator. “Orders worth over $100 billion are anticipated to be made through the defense sector over the next five to ten years, and it will grow to be a significant partner in the nation’s economic growth… We must make bold moves toward becoming a defense superpower if we want to see India among the top economic powers of the globe by the end of ‘Amrit Kaal,’ he said.
Later, Mr. Singh saw an operational display that featured fleet and aircraft carrier operations, ship and aircraft weapon firings, and underway replenishment at sea. Additionally, a showcase of locally produced goods, including a fire-fighting robot, remote-controlled lifebuoy, and spotter drone, was presented.
The Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force would also interact with the Naval Commanders on subsequent days to address the convergence of the three Services vis-à-vis common operational environment, and avenues of augmenting tri-Service synergy and readiness towards the defence of the nation and India’s national interests, the statement said.
The Navy announced that Naval Commanders would also receive an update on the “Agnipath Scheme,” which will be put into effect in November 2022, during the meeting. In late March, the first group of Agniveers—including the first group of women Agniveers in the Indian military forces—is expected to graduate from INS Chilka.
After being commissioned in September of last year, INS Vikrant is presently undergoing aviation trials and should be operational by year’s end.
