Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam today, marking his first official trip outside the capital since his reappointment as the Minister of Defence.
During his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh embarked on INS Jalashwa to participate in a ‘Day at Sea’, a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and readiness.
Accompanied by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, the Defence Minister witnessed a series of dynamic operations. These included maneuvers by various ships, submarines, and aircraft, highlighting the combat readiness of the Navy.
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In discussions with officers and sailors, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for its state of operational readiness and its role as the primary responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He emphasized that the Navy’s efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Security And Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR), promoting safety and mutual progress among nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Shri Rajnath Singh also lauded the Navy for its vital role in national growth and its international reputation, recalling a recent rescue operation in the Arabian Sea where Indian Naval forces freed 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates. This act, he noted, underscored the humanitarian values upheld by the Indian Navy.
“It is our pride that the Navy ensures safe trade, maintains peace, and supports prosperity in the IOR, contributing significantly to a rule-based world order,” Shri Rajnath Singh stated. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to securing its maritime borders and enhancing its commercial interests linked to the IOR.
Reflecting on his tenure, the Raksha Mantri highlighted his visits to key strategic locations like the Siachen Glacier, demonstrating the government’s balanced focus on both northern borders and maritime security. Looking ahead, he expressed determination to further enhance India’s naval strength, emphasizing the expansion of shipyards, increase in aircraft carriers, and overall fortification of naval forces.
The visit concluded with a traditional Barakhana with the crew, celebrating the shared commitments and camaraderie among the naval personnel. Shri Singh’s visit underscores the strategic priority the government places on strengthening maritime security and ensuring India’s prowess in regional and global waters.
