Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the maritime security situation, operational readiness of the Indian Navy, and the future outlook during the inaugural phase of the first Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2025 in Karwar, Karnataka on April 05.
Singh interacted with the naval commanders, with deliberations focussing on addressing contemporary security paradigms, formulating the way ahead to further the Navy’s combat capability, and addressing strategic, operational, and administrative aspects. He was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and other senior officials.
Addressing the Commanders, the Defence Minister asserted that it is necessary to reorient the future roles of the Armed Forces amidst the present unpredictable geopolitical landscape. He referred to the acceptance of global experts that the 21st century is Asia’s century and India will have a crucial role to play, stating, “It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world.”
Speaking on modernisation, he said “The speed at which the work of naval modernisation is being carried out for the last 10-11 years is unprecedented. The induction of new platforms and state-of-the-art equipment has significantly enhanced our Naval prowess and the morale of our brave sailors. It is a testimony to the fact that we are always standing with you in your preparations”.
On 2025 being declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence, Singh called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to fulfil their commitment to reforms. “There are two types of reforms. One is policy reforms, which are carried out at the level of the Ministries. Many officers look into policy-related issues, obtain feedback from everyone and formulate policies accordingly. The second type is ground-level reform. Whether it is related to training, R&D, financial or manpower reforms, your role is most important in all these. Till the time there is no convergence of top-down approach and bottom-top approach, we will not be able to achieve our reforms’ goal in the right manner,” he told the Commanders.
The conference is the apex-level, biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational, and administrative issues among the top Naval Commanders. It plays a pivotal role in emphasising India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, bolstering the Navy’s contribution to regional peace, security, and stability.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reviewed the #maritime security situation and #operationalreadiness of the @indiannavy during the first phase of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 in #Karwar. He commended the #Navy’s role in safeguarding national interests and stressed the… pic.twitter.com/pbMuXFOCCg
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) April 5, 2025
The second phase of the conference will be held in New Delhi from April 07 to 10, witnessing a comprehensive review of major operational, material, logistics, HR development, training, and administrative aspects. The Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Chief of the Air Staff will also engage with Naval Commanders during the Conference to foster synergy amongst the three Services and further drive the convergence efforts.
The Commanders will also engage with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Amitabh Kant on foreign policy and international engagement issues. The key focus area of the event is the Indian Navy’s quest to strengthen modernisation, indigenisation, and self-reliance in line with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbharta.
Team BharatShakti
