Against the backdrop of Russia-Ukraine conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday underlined the urgent need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing to maintain operational readiness.

He made this observation against the backdrop of the apprehensions about  delay in supply of weapon systems and spares from Russia, which could impact  the modernisation drive of the Indian armed forces.  However, Russia has assured of all possible help in maintaining the delivery schedules.

Addressing the Navy Commanders' conference here, Rajnath said coming to the prevailing security environment in the world, the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict has once again highlighted that being self-reliant without dependencies is a vital necessity.

The Indian Navy, which has been at the forefront of “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” must continue to lead the way and remain a necessary guarantor of India's maritime trade, security and national prosperity, he said.

The Minister said it was heartening to note that in consonance with the “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” initiative, the Navy has re-invested over 64 per cent of its capital budget into our own economy.

 “I am told that the percentage share of the modernisation budget is bound to grow up to 70 per cent towards indigenous procurement, in this current financial year,” he said.

On the operational aspect, Rajnath said India's maritime character and its vital geo-strategic location have played a primary role in our growth as a nation and evolution as a civilisation. With increasing dependence on the seas for national development and engagement with the world, the Indian Navy continues to protect India's maritime interests and enables a safe and secure environment in the region, he said.

The Navy has maintained a high tempo of operations and has also established a credible and responsive presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through mission-based deployments.

These deployments have reaffirmed Indian Navy's position as the “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region, he said.

Rajnath also commended the Navy on commissioning of major naval units since the last Commanders' Conference namely INS Visakhapatnam, the first ship of the P15B project, the fourth P75 submarine INS Vela and Navy's second P8I squadron INAS 316 at INS Hansa, Goa.

He also said it was heartening that out of 41 ships and submarines which are on order, 39 are being built in Indian shipyards. While the Navy has been at the forefront of indigenisation, “it is important for us to leverage on the momentum that we have gained thus far. I urge the senior leadership to maintain their focus on futuristic capability development, to ensure that the nation's maritime power grows in tandem with our economic interests,” he said.

Moreover, the delivery of the first indigenous Aircraft Carrier, Vikrant, would be another milestone event, he said adding the ship has successfully completed three sea trials. “All-out efforts need to be made so that the ship is delivered and commissioned in the 75th year of our Independence. This would be a fitting tribute to the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” he said.

As regards fast changing nature of warfare, Rajnath said jointness in operations is critical in any future wars and restructuring of military commands and establishment of Joint Theatre Commands is the way ahead.

According to the plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and all of them will work as a single entity looking after security challenges in a specifiedgeographical territory under an operational commander.

In his address, the Minister reiterated that the sovereignty of India andprosperity is dependent on the armed forces.  “Therefore, the need for a strong and credible Indian Navy cannot be over emphasised. I am conscious of the importance of long-term funding for the sustained growth of the Navy and the Navy's consistent performance in optimally utilising the allocated budget,” he said.

The four-day Navy Commanders' Conference began on Monday.

The naval commanders carried out a comprehensive review of the country's maritime security preparedness as well as possible implications of the Ukraine crisis for regional security among other issues.