INDIA. Mumbai: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy during the Naval Commanders’ Conference held on board India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on March 6, Monday.
Singh talked with the Naval Commanders and saw the operational demonstrations at sea. This showed that the Navy can do many different kinds of missions to protect the country’s maritime interests.
The operational demonstrations witnessed by the Singh included a complex aircraft carrier and fleet operations, weapon firings by ships and aircraft, and underway replenishment at sea. In addition, a demonstration of indigenous products, including a spotter drone, was witnessed by Singh. The strides taken by the Indian Navy towards “pole-vaulting” the technological curve, through indigenous sources in the domains of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, laser technology, and cryptography were also demonstrated.
In his address to the commanders, Singh lauded the Navy for standing firm and protecting national interests with courage and dedication. He exhorted them to continue to focus on futuristic capability development to effectively overcome the emerging security challenges in the maritime domain.
“Future conflicts will be unpredictable. The constantly-evolving world order has forced everyone to re-strategize. Constant vigil on the Northern and Western borders as well as the entire coastline must be maintained. We need to be ready to deal with all future challenges,” he said.
“In the next 5–10 years, orders worth over $100 billion are expected to be placed through the defence sector, and it will become a major partner in the economic development of the country. Today, our defence sector is on the runway, soon, when it takes off, it will transform the country’s economy. If we want to see India among the top economic powers of the world by the end of ‘Amrit Kaal’, we need to take bold steps towards becoming a defence superpower,” Singh said.
The word ‘Amrit Kaal’ has its origin in Vedic astrology. It is the critical time when the gates of greater pleasure open for inhuman, angels and human beings. In modern terms, it aims to usher in the latest technology and digitization and reduce government interference in public life.
Singh also made special mention of the credible and responsive presence of the Navy in the Indian Ocean region. He stated that mission-based deployments of the Navy have strengthened India’s position as a “Preferred Security Partner” of friendly foreign countries in the region.
He termed the recent announcement of earmarking a record 75% of the defence capital procurement budget for the domestic industry in 2023–2024 as a testament to the government’s firm commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Singh reiterated the need for a huge country like India to be completely self-reliant and not dependent on others for its security. He listed out numerous steps taken by the government to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, including the notification of four positive indigenous lists, an increase in the FDI limit, and the creation of a favourable environment for Indian vendors, including MSMEs.
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