India Guarantor For Peace in Indian Ocean: Rajnath

Visakhapatnam: Defense Minister Rajnath Sing has said India stood as a guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, with the Indian Navy safeguarding the nation's maritime interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment.

He was addressing naval personnel in Visakhapatnam on Friday during Barakhana on the eve of the commissioning of Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region, Rajanath Singh stated that over 90 per cent of India's trade by volume passes through maritime routes, while the country's energy security, exclusive economic zone and island territories make maritime security central to its economic growth and national interests.

He emphasised that increasing geopolitical competition and the growing presence of extra-regional powers have underscored the need for heightened maritime vigilance.