Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarked today on a significant two-day visit to Goa, aimed at reinforcing the government’s commitment to maritime security and engaging directly with Indian Navy personnel. The visit, taking place on May 29 and 30, comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor and heightened regional security concerns, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Singh is scheduled to interact with sailors and officers stationed in Goa, acknowledging their service and contributions to national security. One of the key highlights of the trip will be his participation in the flag-in ceremony of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini at Mormugao Port. The vessel recently completed an eight-month expedition that was flagged off by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on October 2, 2024. The voyage featured two women officers, underscoring the Navy’s efforts toward gender inclusivity and operational excellence.
As part of the visit, Singh is also expected to board INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier. The 262-meter vessel, with a capacity to house 30 aircraft and a crew of 1,600, symbolizes India’s rising naval strength. With a 7,500-nautical-mile endurance, INS Vikrant plays a crucial role in enhancing India’s reach and influence across the Indo-Pacific.
The timing of the visit is strategic. Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this month in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, targeted nine sites across Pakistan, including locations in Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation has led to increased defense preparedness across Indian border states and renewed focus on indigenous military capabilities.
One such capability under development is the Kaveri engine program by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). India is now working on both an unmanned aircraft variant and a marine gas turbine variant to power Indian Navy warships. These efforts are aligned with the broader objective of reducing reliance on foreign defense suppliers, especially after recent diplomatic frictions with the United States during Operation Sindoor.
The visit also follows Singh’s 2024 tour of the US Navy’s testing facilities in Memphis, which inspired a blueprint for establishing a similar base in India. This proposed facility is expected to accelerate the development of submarines and warships and contribute to a comprehensive Indian maritime doctrine. Experts have long emphasized the need for such a doctrine to redefine India’s “blue water” capabilities tailored to its strategic geography—from the eastern coast of Africa to the Southern Ocean.
Amid growing ties between Pakistan, China, and Turkey, and a neutral stance from Iran, India’s regional posture continues to evolve. Singh’s Goa visit symbolizes New Delhi’s resolve to fortify its naval defences, boost indigenous production, and foster international partnerships. As the Indian Navy emerges as a central pillar of national security, the government is doubling down on maritime preparedness to safeguard regional stability and national interests.
