Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that it is a necessity to reorient the future roles of the Armed Forces amidst the present unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
Making this point while reviewing maritime security situation and operational readiness during the inaugural phase of the first Naval Commanders’ Conference in Karwar, he also said India stands for a free, open and rule-based order in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Rajnath Singh also inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistics facilities constructed under Project Seabird worth `2,000 crores at Navy’s strategic base at Karwar. He also flagged off Indian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel, INS Sunayna, as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region).
The Defence Minister referred to the acceptance of global experts that 21st century is Asia’s century and India will have a crucial role to play, stating “It is our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world”.
Urging the commanders to remain alert and prepared, Rajnath Singh said “security is an ongoing adaptation process, wherein there is a need to keep assessing, planning, and coming out with new ideas. We need to analyse how India can make its role more effective.”
He interacted with the Naval Commanders, with deliberations focusing on addressing contemporary security paradigms, formulating the way ahead to further the combat capability of the Navy, and addressing strategic, operational and administrative aspects. Emphasising that national security is of paramount importance to the Government, led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Defence Minister stated that it has always been ensured that the requirements of the Armed Forces are fulfilled. On 2025 being declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence, Rajnath Singh called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to fulfill their commitment to reforms.
The conference is the apex-level, biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational, and administrative issues among the top Naval Commanders. It plays a pivotal role in emphasising India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, bolstering the Navy’s contribution to regional peace, security, and stability.
The second phase of the conference will be held in New Delhi from April 7 to 10 witnessing a comprehensive review of major operational, material, logistics, HR development, training and administrative aspects. Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of the Air Staff will also engage with Naval Commanders during the Conference to foster synergy amongst the three Services and further drive the convergence efforts.
Flagging-off of the ship, with 44 naval personnel from nine friendly nations (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania), marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to regional maritime security and international cooperation.
Addressing the representatives from partner nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Rajnath Singh termed the launch of IOS SAGAR as a reflection of India’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and collective security in maritime domain. He highlighted India’s growing presence in IOR, stating, “It is not just related to our security and national interests, it also points towards the equality of rights and duties among our friendly countries in the region. Our Navy ensures that, in IOR, no nation suppresses another on the basis of overwhelming economy and military power. We ensure that the nations’ interests are protected without compromising their sovereignty,” he said.
The Defence Minister also commended the Indian Navy for emerging as the first responder during incidents such as hijacking of ships and acts of pirates, in the region. He stated that the Navy ensures the security of not just Indian ships but also foreign ones, terming free navigation, rule-based order, anti-piracy and securing peace and stability in IOR as one of its biggest objectives.
Rajnath Singh highlighted the historical significance of April 5, when India’s first merchant ship, SS Loyalty, sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919, describing it as a fitting occasion to launch the IOS SAGAR mission.
“It’s a proud moment to see India leading the charge for regional cooperation on the same date we mark our maritime legacy,” he said. IOS SAGAR is a pioneering effort aimed at bringing together the navies and maritime agencies of the Southwest IOR on an Indian Naval platform. The mission will serve as an opportunity to provide comprehensive training to sea-riders from friendly countries and marks an unprecedented collaboration in maritime security.
INS Sunayna, during its deployment, will visit Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis and Port Victoria. The international crew aboard will undertake training exercises and apply knowledge gained
from various professional training schools at Kochi.
As regards Project Seabird facilities, they include marine infrastructure designed for berthing ships, submarines and harbour craft, an armament wharf, two piers specifically equipped for refits, marine utility complexes, residential infrastructure consisting 480 dwelling units for sailors and defence civilians, and support facilities comprising 25 km road network, 12 km storm water drainage, water reservoirs, waste management plants and security watch towers.
These facilities will boost the sustenance of assets operating off the West Coast, and augment the Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining a future-ready force.
