Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 23: Defence minister Rajnath Singh hailed ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a powerful demonstration of India’s resolve and military capability, sending a clear message globally that the nation is always prepared to face any challenge. Speaking at the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, he praised the Indian Navy for establishing a strong deterrent that kept Pakistan confined to its harbors, showcasing the Navy’s operational readiness and professional strength to the world.
Singh described the Indian Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a source of reassurance for allied nations and a deterrent to those aiming to destabilize the area. He emphasized that the IOR is now a hub of geopolitical activity, characterized by both competition and cooperation.
Highlighting the Navy’s expanding role, he noted unprecedented deployments of ships, submarines, and aircraft in recent months.
The Defence Minister also pointed to the Navy’s role in securing maritime trade, having ensured safe passage for roughly 335 merchant vessels carrying $5.6 billion worth of cargo, underscoring India’s growing reputation as a dependable partner in global maritime commerce.
Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of a self-reliant Navy as a cornerstone of national strength, revealing that nearly 67 percent of the Navy’s capital acquisitions over the past decade have been sourced from Indian industries. This shift reflects reduced dependency on imports and greater reliance on domestic talent, including MSMEs and startups.
Acknowledging the evolving nature of warfare, Singh highlighted the increasing reliance on technology-driven, network-centric, and autonomous systems in maritime defense. He called for enhancing capabilities to counter adversaries’ advanced technologies.
The Defence Minister also connected the Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts with economic growth and job creation. Citing Project 17A vessels with over 75 percent indigenous content, he noted the creation of approximately 127,000 jobs in shipyards such as MDL and GRSE, illustrating how naval projects contribute both to security and employment.
The event was attended by top military and defense officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, and other senior commanders.
The conference provides a strategic platform for aligning the Navy’s operational priorities with national goals, focusing on preparedness across both coasts, boosting indigenization under the Make-in-India initiative, and advancing the government’s MAHASAGAR vision to establish the Indian Navy as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.