Indian Navy’s leadership discussed various future plan , challenges and opportunities during the first edition of the Biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2024. This four day conference was conducted from 5 to 8 March 2024. The Conference is an institutional forum that enables deliberations on important maritime security issues at the Military-Strategic level.
The inaugural session of the first Biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference was held onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. Whereas, the follow-on proceedings were conducted at New Delhi, in hybrid format, on the last two days.
The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, presided over the inaugural session, with Chief of the Defence Staff, Defence Secretary and other senior officials of Defence Ministry and Naval Commanders in attendance.
Commending the brave and prompt response by the Indian Navy to recent incidents and developments in West Asia and the adjoining seas, Rajnath Singh exhorted the Commanders to remain poised for operations across the spectrum of conflict. He underscored the leadership role expected of the Indian Navy towards ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. In addition, the Defence Minister emphasised the importance of Tri-Services Jointness and Integration to favourably shape and influence the future battlespace.
According to press release, the proceedings at New Delhi on 7th and 8th March included review of major operational, materiel, infrastructure, Logistics and personnel related initiatives. Besides, the senior naval leadership reviewed existing and future plans, including capability enhancements in the island territories, to mitigate contemporary and future challenges in the maritime domain.
Service Chiefs of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force also engaged with the Naval Commanders, sharing their assessment of the operating environment, outlining readiness levels to defend national interests amidst prevailing and evolving security challenges; Numerous areas and domains to enhance Tri-Services synergy and cooperation.
“On the sidelines of the conference, Naval Commanders also interacted with various ‘Think Tanks’ during a ‘Sagar Manthan’ event on 8th March. The forum provided an opportunity to engage with MSMEs, innovators and Academia to deliberate ways, means and novel avenues to further Atma Nirbharta initiatives and enhance self-reliance in defence production”, said the release.
