Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside top commanders of the Indian Navy, will assess the nation’s maritime security challenges during the commencement of a three-day naval commanders’ conference kicking off today. This strategic meeting will take place aboard one of the Navy’s two aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea. The Defence Minister will also witness a “twin carrier operation” showcasing INS Vikrant’s and INS Vikramaditya’s combat capabilities. This demonstration aims to project India’s expanding naval prowess.
With maritime security in focus, the high-stake commanders’ conference will centre around crucial maritime discussions. On the first day of the biannual conference, the top brass of the Navy is likely to deliberate on a host of crucial issues such as addressing strategic concerns such as countering China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean region, addressing the challenges Houthi militants pose targeting cargo vessels in the Red Sea and tackling piracy in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. The conference will also involve a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of weapons and sensors and the operational readiness of Indian Navy platforms.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, along with Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, will engage with the naval commanders on ways to boost tri-services convergence.
“They will explore avenues to enhance tri-service synergy and readiness in defence of the nation and India’s national interests,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.
“By fostering strategic clarity, operational excellence, technological innovation, and international cooperation, the Conference reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests and upholding its status as a responsible maritime power in the region,” the statement added further. The commanders’ conference serves as a crucible for charting the course of the Navy’s future amidst a rapidly evolving maritime environment.
Ravi Shankar
