New Delhi. The three-day second edition of Naval Commanders Conference which concluded October 24 was of the view that the Indian Navy remains a well-balanced multi-dimensional force.
The Commanders felt that with modern surface, sub-surface and air assets, capable of blue water and littoral operations in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, the Navy is capable of defending national interests against potential threats.
The Conference which was opened by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felt that the present force levels are being augmented and modernised for undertaking the full spectrum of roles and tasks defined for the Indian Navy.
The Commanders were of the view that the Navy was closely monitoring developments in “our Areas of Interest, as also progressing our foreign cooperation which is aimed towards outcome based interaction with other navies in the region in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR and Act East Policies. Based on the assessment of these developments, necessary steps are being initiated with the Government for strengthening the preparedness of Indian Navy.”
The Commanders’ discussed numerous issues pertaining to Functional Re-organisation of the Indian Navy and Optimal Manning in order to improve Operational Efficiency.
They also discussed issues pertaining to harnessing emerging Technologies as well as use of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analysis. These were discussed at length and key deliverables to be achieved in the desired time frame were identified. In addition to discussing Intra-Naval issues, several critical subjects relating to effective conduct of operations in a futuristic Joint Service environment were examined and an action plan arrived at.
Complimenting the Naval personnel for maintaining a high operational tempo and safeguarding India’s interest in the maritime domain, Defence Minister congratulated the Navy for the swift and calibrated manner in which ‘Operation Sankalp’ was launched in the wake of incidents involving attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman in May and June this year, thus safeguarding Indian seafarers and the nation’s economic interests.
Singh acknowledged the expanding footprint whilst highlighting that the Indian Navy has continued to maintain a high level of operational readiness through regular deployment of ships, submarines and aircraft in our areas of interest. As the authority responsible for overall maritime security, which includes Coastal Security and Offshore Security, he noted the concerted efforts undertaken by the Navy post 26/11 incident, including enhanced inter-agency cooperation and coordination, towards strengthening the security and stability of our waters and coastal regions.
The Minister appreciated the Navy’s efforts in the area of indigenisation, self-reliance and support to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government.
During his interaction with the Commanders’, the Minister reviewed the combat readiness of the Navy, pace of modernisation and progress of various acquisition and infrastructure related cases. He urged the Naval Commanders to optimally utilice available resources to build a strong Navy that is ready and vigilant to counter any challenge that may emerge in the maritime domain.
In his opening address to the Commanders’, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh highlighted various important issues pertaining to operational readiness, capability enhancement, maintenance, op logistics, infrastructure development and human resource management.
He drew attention to overcoming critical capability voids, whilst highlighting the requirement of three Aircraft Carriers so that at least one operational carrier is available on either seaboard at any given time, amongst other capability gaps, especially in light of the increasing mandate of Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
