Top commanders of the Indian Navy have decided to significantly bolster the force’s combat prowess in the Indian Ocean against the backdrop of China’s increasing forays into the region and geopolitical power play being witnessed in the Indo-Pacific.

This decision to enhance India’s combat capabilities in the maritime sphere came following extensive deliberations at a four-day naval commanders’ conference that concluded here on Friday, officials said on Saturday.

In his address to the commanders during the second edition of bi-annual Naval Commanders’ conference, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi underlined the need to maintain vigil towards ensuring maritime security and coastal defence through close synergy and functional linkages with the Coast Guard and other maritime agencies.

He called on commands and staff at the naval headquarters to continue evolving as a well-balanced multi-dimensional seamlessly networked force ready to respond, protect and promote the national maritime interests -- “anytime, anywhere, anyhow”, according to the Navy. The Navy Chief highlighted the flux in the contemporary geo-strategic environment as well as evolving tactics in the maritime domain.

Enumerating the key focus areas for the force in the short, medium and long term, he reiterated the need to ensure combat readiness of all naval platforms, equipment, weapons and sensors, with a singular focus on “ordnance delivery on target”, the Navy said in a readout.

The Navy said the conference focused on contemporary security paradigms and critical analysis to further enhance the combat capability of the Navy and synergise operations with the other services.

“It was also meant to delve into the dynamics of the geostrategic situation of the region in the backdrop of international developments and through intense discussions by the senior hierarchy of the Navy, formulate a future roadmap to consolidate as a ‘first responder and preferred security partner’ in the Indian Ocean region,” it said.

The commanders also reaffirmed the Navy’s steadfast commitment to the national vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).

At present, 64 ships and submarines are under construction in Indian shipyards and orders have been placed for 24 additional platforms.