New Delhi: The second edition of Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2024 is scheduled to commence at New Delhi from September 17-20, 2024.
Beginning Tuesday, a comprehensive review of India’s maritime security challenges, including China’s growing forays into the Indian Ocean, will be carried out by the top commanders of the Indian Navy at the Commanders’ Conference. They are also likely to deliberate on the overall situation in the Red Sea and adjoining areas that witnessed a series of attacks by Houthi militants on cargo vessels till a few weeks back.
The Conference is the Apex level biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational and administrative issues between the Naval Commanders. Held against the backdrop of evolving geo-political and geo-strategic dynamics, regional challenges and complexity in maritime security situation in West Asia, the Conference plays a crucial role in shaping future course of Indian Navy.
During the Conference, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the Naval Commanders on matters pertaining to national security and national expectations. The Chief of Defence Staff along with the Chiefs of Indian Army and Indian Air Force will engage with Naval Commanders to foster collaborations amongst the three Services across spectrum of conflict and convergence towards theaterisation.
The Conference will commence with the inaugural address by the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. He will review major operational, materiel, logistic, human resources development, training and administrative activities pursued by the Indian Navy over the last six months and deliberate upon key milestones to be crossed to safeguard maritime interests.
The Indian Navy has responded with strength and resolve against emerging threats of drones and missiles affecting safety of trade, demonstrating its capability as preferred security responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Commanders will also review the ongoing Naval projects to enhance indigenisation through ‘Make in India’ in consonance with the vision of complete Aatmanirbharta by 2047.
“Towards Navy’s commitment to protect India’s maritime interests in the region, the Conference would witness comprehensive review of the Operational preparedness, inter alia discussions on the Navy’s capability enhancement plan, promoting national vision of indigenisation, self-reliance and realising combat effectiveness of Naval forces,” Navy spokesperson said.
The Commanders’ Conference as pivotal platform upholds Navy’s commitment to safeguard India’s maritime interests and Navy’s status as a ‘combat ready, credible, cohesive and future ready force’,” Navy spokesperson added.
