In a momentous ceremony, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Administrative & Training building, named ‘Chola’, at the Naval War College (NWC) in Goa.
Paying homage to the mighty maritime empire of the Chola dynasty of ancient India, the modern edifice symbolizes India’s legacy of maritime excellence and aspirations in the maritime domain.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for establishing a world-class training facility that reflects India’s stature among the maritime powers of the world. He described Chola Bhawan as a testament to India’s rich historical heritage and a symbol of the country’s new mindset of pride and self-reliance.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the shift in India’s approach towards maritime security under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized the importance of re-assessing threat perceptions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and rebalancing military resources to address maritime challenges effectively.
“India has emerged as the first responder and preferred security partner in the IOR, ensuring a rules-based maritime order and protecting the autonomy and sovereignty of littoral countries,” Shri Rajnath Singh stated. He praised the Indian Navy for its readiness and commitment to safeguarding India’s strategic interests in the region.
Emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening economic and security cooperation with maritime neighbors, the Raksha Mantri reiterated the government’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). He underscored the importance of the Indian Navy in advancing this vision and enhancing India’s stature at the global level.
Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted the significance of the Indo-Pacific region in India’s economic prosperity, emphasizing the need for a strong naval presence to ensure security and stability.
He praised the Indian Navy for its efforts in countering piracy and trafficking, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant against emerging threats.
The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of two major piers at Naval Base, Karwar, capable of accommodating multiple ships and submarines. These infrastructure developments are part of Project Seabird, aimed at enhancing the capacity and strategic presence of the Indian Navy on the western coast.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar underscored the evolving security challenges in the maritime domain and the role of higher military education in addressing these challenges.
He expressed confidence that the new training facility at NWC Goa will serve as a beacon of maritime excellence, not only for the Indian forces but also for maritime neighbours.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant and Union Minister Shri Shripad Naik, marked a significant milestone in the history of NWC Goa, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in military education and maritime thought.
With the inauguration of ‘Chola’ and the unveiling of new infrastructure at Naval Base, Karwar, the Indian Navy takes another stride towards bolstering its capabilities and securing India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
