The first edition of the biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 concluded today in New Delhi, capping off a week of high-level deliberations on maritime security, strategic partnerships, and the operational readiness of the Indian Navy. The apex-level conference, held in two phases from April 5 to 11 at Karwar and New Delhi, brought together key defence stakeholders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Defence Staff, senior Ministry of Defence officials, and top Naval Commanders.
The opening phase at Karwar was marked by the ceremonial flag-off of IOS Sagar, a landmark maritime outreach initiative underscoring India’s growing maritime engagement with Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations. The initiative was hailed as a tangible expression of the government’s evolving maritime vision — transitioning from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region).
During his visit to Karwar, the Defence Minister also inaugurated nine state-of-the-art marine piers, eight residential buildings, and a range of critical infrastructure developed under Project Seabird, one of India’s largest naval infrastructure expansion programmes. Singh later reviewed the Navy’s modernisation and preparedness plans and lauded the force as a “principal enabler of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.”
The second phase of the conference commenced on April 7 at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. This segment featured an in-depth review of operational, material, logistics, training, and administrative matters and a strategic focus on technological advancements and capability development.
A series of key publications were released during the conference, including the Indian Navy’s Space Vision, Operational Data Framework, Indian Naval Air Publication, and a veteran-focused compendium titled ‘Navy for Life and Beyond’.
The conference also witnessed joint sessions with the Chiefs of the Army and Air Force, who shared their assessments of the regional security landscape and underlined the importance of Tri-Service synergy in addressing evolving challenges.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasised upon integrated approach towards Joint Resource Development in order to enhance operational capabilities. The deliberations included cross-pollination of personnel, interaction amongst multiple levels of functionaries and combined training initiatives to foster jointness.
While Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, impressed upon technology absorption during the Year of Reforms and development of dual use infrastructure towards nation building. Cross Domain integration, R&D, emerging trends in the grey zone operations were deliberated during the discussions with the senior leadership of Indian Navy.
General Upendra Dwivedi, #COAS, addressed the Naval Commanders during the Commanders’ Conference.#COAS impressed upon technology absorption during the Year of Reforms & development of dual use infrastructure towards nation building. Cross Domain integration, R&D, emerging… https://t.co/tZ8XjQvUnk pic.twitter.com/NLJFGDt15j
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 11, 2025
High-level civilian engagement included interactions with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant. While Misri offered a strategic overview of shifting global dynamics and their maritime implications, Kant highlighted the Navy’s growing role in national development and India’s positioning as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the region.
On the sidelines, the ‘Sagar Manthan’ conclave held on April 7 enabled Naval Commanders to engage with strategic thinkers and domain experts. The discussions focused on India’s maritime strategy, the future of the Indo-Pacific, and the Indian Navy’s role in supporting national maritime growth.
As it concluded, the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment and reinforced its resolve to remain a Combat-Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-Ready force amid an evolving geopolitical landscape, the Indian Navy said in its statement.
Team BharatShakti
