Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that India must make geo-strategic thinking and contingency planning as integral parts of its preparedness amidst challenges arising from evolving technology, unpredictability, and geographical proximity. Addressing the Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi today, Mr Singh said that the country’s goal is clear that preparedness must reach the crisis point before the crisis itself reaches the doorstep. The Minister also underlined that the on-going ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ has once again demonstrated the Indian Navy’s professionalism and operational readiness to protect the country’s energy supply lines and national interests. He added that India stands firm as the first responder, preferred security partner and as a symbol of trust and reliability in the Indian Ocean Region, strengthening the country’s vision of MAHASAGAR. The Defence Minister noted that the presence of Indian warships in South China Sea, Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, demonstrates the country’s blue-water force capability. The Defence Minister also commended the Indian Navy for maintaining a high level of combat readiness noting that it is acting as a strategic anchor in realizing India’s resolve of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He said India’s maritime power is aimed not merely at displaying the national flag at sea, but at ensuring that wherever the Tricolour is seen, it conveys security, trust and confidence.
Deliberations during the conference included harnessing Artificial intelligence, Big Data, autonomous and uncrewed systems, cyber operations, logistics, training and technology absorption towards maintaining a Combat Ready – Credible – Cohesive – Future Ready force, guided by the principles of Jointness, Self-reliance, and Innovation.
