"India now seen as preferred security partner in Indian Ocean region": Rajnath Singh

Addressing the second edition of Naval Commanders' Conference in the national capital today, Singh pointed out that India was once a landlocked country with sea shores, but now it can be seen as an island country with land borders.

"A large part of the world's trade passes through the region, which makes it valuable. At the same time, incidents like piracy, hijacking, drone attacks, missile attacks and disruption of sea cable connections in the seas make it extremely sensitive. Our Navy has made a significant contribution in protecting the economic interests of all stakeholder nations of Indo-Pacific and in smooth movement of goods in the Indian Ocean region. Its anti-piracy operations are garnering appreciation not only in India but also globally. India is now seen as a preferred security partner in this entire region. Whenever need be, we will ensure security in the region," he said.

The Defence Minister asserted that the Indian Navy's growing strength in the Indo-Pacific region should not be taken for granted and called upon the Commanders to continue introspection from time to time, and be prepared for every situation in today's volatile global scenario.

Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's endeavour to make the Indian Navy more potent by inducting state-of-the-art ships, submarines etc., for its capability development, with focus on being Aatmanirbhar. He highlighted that 64 ships and submarines are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, and orders have been placed for 24 additional platforms.

"In the last five years, more than two-third of the Navy's modernisation budget has been spent on indigenous procurement, resulting in accelerated development of the domestic defence ecosystem," he said.

While Rajnath Singh praised the Navy's indigenisation efforts, he exhorted the Commanders to explore ways to further strengthen the resolve of achieving 'Aatmanirbharta'. He exuded confidence that the vision to transform the Navy from a 'Buyer' into a 'Builder' will be helpful in making it fully self-reliant by 2047.

The Defence Minister also spoke on the significance of jointness and optimum utilisation of resources. He stated that while Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have their own strengths, mandates & ways of working, there is need for more coordination to strengthen the maritime security of the country.

The conference is the apex-level biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational and administrative issues among the Naval Commanders. Held against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical and geostrategic dynamics, regional challenges and complexity in maritime security situation in West Asia, the conference plays a crucial role in shaping future course of the Indian Navy. (ANI)