Indian Navy Emerging As Powerful Maritime Force, Says Rajnath Singh

Defence minister Rajnath Singh has said the Indian Navy is emerging as a powerful maritime force and had demonstrated its ability to respond to challenges confronting the nation.

Addressing Navy personnel and their families at a Barakhana hosted by the Eastern Naval Command on Monday evening, he said the Navy’s capabilities were recognised across the Indo-Pacific.

Singh commended Navy personnel for remaining steadfast in all weather and operational conditions while securing India’s maritime boundaries. Recalling the Navy’s record during the 1971 war, particularly Operation Trident, he said the operation demonstrated its ability to safeguard maritime frontiers and undertake offensive operations when required.

He paid tributes to personnel whose courage and sacrifice, he said, continued to inspire generations.

Singh said India was transforming into a maritime power and the Navy was keeping pace with the changing security environment of the 21st century. He referred to the development and induction of indigenous and advanced platforms, including aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, stealth frigates and Scorpène-class submarines.

He said the strength of the Navy extended beyond ships, submarines and technology and rested on the professionalism, patriotism, courage and commitment of its personnel. India’s endeavour, he said, is to ensure that its waters reflected the nation’s maritime strength, warships embodied Indian technology and naval operations reflected the country’s growing confidence and self-reliance.

Calling for a broader maritime vision, the defence minister said India must move forward with the philosophy of ‘advancing from the seas towards prosperity and power’. Oceans should be viewed not only as maritime boundaries requiring protection but also as avenues for economic development, strategic influence and national prosperity.

Singh also underlined the role of families of defence personnel. While naval personnel remained deployed at sea in the service of the nation, their families shouldered responsibilities at home and provided the support needed for them to discharge their duties effectively.

He described the service of personnel and the sacrifices of their families as a valuable national asset.