Defence Minister reviewed the status of maritime security and the operational readiness during the Phase – 1 of the first Naval commanders’ conference of 2025 held in Karwar.

21st century is the century of Asia; It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region: Shri Rajnath Singh

India is in favor of independent, free and rules-based system; Assess the changing conditions and ensure plan, resources and practice accordingly: Defence Minister asked the commanders

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the maritime security situation, the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and future scenario during the inaugural phase of the conference of the first Naval commanders of 2025 held in Karwar, Karnataka on April 05, 2025. The Defence Minister also interacted with the Navy commanders. In this conversation, discussions were held to focus on contemporary safety paradigms, to prepare the way forward to upgrade the Navy’s fighter capacity and focus on strategic, operational and administrative aspects. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. along with the Defence Minister. Tripathi, Defence Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials were also present.

Addressing the Naval Commanders, Mr. Rajnath Singh appreciated the contribution of the Navy in strengthening India’s maritime security, crossing the expectations of the people in every situation and showing continuous commitment to the service of the nation with new energy and innovation.

The Defence Minister said that it is necessary to redefine the future roles of the armed forces amidst the current unexpected geo-political scenario. He mentioned the belief of global experts that the 21st century is the century of Asia and India will play an important role in it. He said, “It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, because this region has become a central point for the world.”

Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated that India is in favor of an independent, free and rules-based system according to the United Nations Maritime Law Treaty (UNCLOS). He urged the commanders to assess the changing circumstances and ensure the plan, resources and practice accordingly while being cautious and ready. He said, “Safety is a continuous adaptation process, in which there is a need to keep moving forward with assessment, plan and new ideas. We need to analyze how India can make its role more effective.”

Considering national security for the government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Defence Minister said that it has always been ensured that the needs of the armed forces are met. He said, “The speed at which the Navy modernization is being done for the last 10-11 years is unprecedented. The inclusion of new platforms, state-of-the-art equipment has boosted the strength of our Navy and the morale of our brave navies has increased considerably. This is a proof that we are always standing with you in your preparations.”

In the Ministry of Defence, when 2025 was declared as the ‘year of reforms’, Mr. Rajnath Singh called upon all stakeholders to make concrete efforts to fulfill his commitment to reforms. He told the commanders, “There are two types of reforms. There is a policy improvement that is done at the level of ministries. Various officials look at policy-related issues, take feedback from all and make policies accordingly. The second type is the ground level improvement. Whether it is the matter related to training, research and development, financial or public improving improvement, your role is most important in all these. The approach) and the bottom from the bottom will not coordinate between the approach (bottom-top approach), till then we will not be able to achieve the goal of our reforms correctly. ”

The conference is a top level and half-yearly event, in which important strategic, operational and administrative issues are discussed between the top commanders of the Navy. It plays an important role in emphasizing India’s role as a ‘favorite security partner’ in the Indian Ocean region, which strengthens the Navy’s contribution to regional peace, security and stability.

The second phase of this conference will be held in New Delhi from 07 to 10 April, 2025, in which major aspects related to operations, materials, logistics, human resource development, training and administration will be extensively reviewed. The Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief and Chief of Air Force will also hold talks with the Naval Commanders during this conference to promote coordination between the three armies and pursue coordination efforts.

The Navy Commander will also discuss issues related to foreign policy and international connection with Foreign Secretary Mr. Vikram Egypt and Mr. Amitabh Kant. The Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen modernization, indigenization and self -reliance are the main focus of this program to strengthen modernization, indigenous and self -reliance.