Karwar, October 30, 2025 — The 65th National Defence College (NDC) Course comprising 130 delegates visited the Naval Base Karwar, one of India’s most advanced naval installations, on 30 October 2025. The delegation included 45 officers from the Indian Army, 13 from the Indian Air Force, 7 from the Indian Navy, 20 from the Indian Civil Services, and 45 officers from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), reflecting the NDC’s commitment to fostering strategic understanding and global defence cooperation.
Arrival by Western Fleet Ships
The visiting officers arrived at Karwar aboard ships of the Western Fleet, experiencing firsthand the operational and logistical excellence of India’s maritime forces. Their arrival marked a symbolic moment of jointness, as personnel from multiple services and nations converged at one of the Indian Navy’s most strategically important bases.
Overview of Project Seabird
During the visit, the delegation was given a windshield tour of the state-of-the-art infrastructure developed under Project Seabird, India’s largest naval base development project. Officers were briefed on the strategic and operational importance of Karwar, which serves as a critical hub for India’s naval operations on the western seaboard. The briefing covered aspects of maritime security, logistics support, berthing facilities, and the base’s role in future naval expansion.
Hosted by Rear Admiral Vikram Menon
The delegation was hosted by Rear Admiral Vikram Menon, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area, who interacted with the participants and elaborated on the base’s role in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and strategic reach. The discussions also focused on inter-service coordination, coastal security architecture, and the Navy’s contribution to India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
Strengthening Strategic Awareness
The visit provided the NDC participants — representing both Indian and international defence and civil leadership — with valuable insights into the Indian Navy’s operational philosophy, infrastructure development, and its integral role in ensuring regional stability and maritime dominance.
The interaction at Naval Base Karwar underscored the Navy’s continuing efforts to promote jointness, strategic understanding, and global partnerships in the evolving security environment.
