The second edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 (CC 2025/2) concluded successfully at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, after three days of high-level deliberations from 22 to 24 October 2025. The apex forum served as a strategic platform for Naval Commanders to review operational preparedness, maritime security challenges, capability development, and Tri-Service integration.
The conference commenced with an inaugural address by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), who emphasized the Navy’s critical role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests amid evolving geostrategic dynamics. Highlighting the service’s progress towards becoming a ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future-Ready Force’, the CNS praised recent operational deployments, technological upgrades, and joint initiatives with the other Services. He also reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s vision of achieving full Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) by 2047 through innovation, technology induction, and iDEX-driven initiatives.
On 23 October 2025, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed and interacted with the Commanders, commending the Indian Navy’s robust deterrent posture and high state of operational readiness. He lauded the Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a “source of comfort for friendly nations and discomfort for those who seek instability.” The Raksha Mantri also reiterated the importance of developing a self-reliant Navy, stating that it forms the foundation of a confident and powerful India.
He further underlined the urgent need to leverage technology and advanced tactics to stay ahead of adversaries, noting the growing role of autonomous and uncrewed systems in modern maritime warfare.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), and the Cabinet Secretary also interacted with the Commanders. The CDS stressed the importance of jointness, integration, and resource optimisation for enhanced national security outcomes.
During the conference, five key naval publications were released, including the Regulations for Naval Armament Service, GeM Handbook, and Foreign Cooperation Roadmap. Additionally, a digital knowledge-sharing platform, ‘NIPUN’ (Naval Intellectual Portal for Unified Knowledge), was launched to serve as a one-stop solution for intellectual and operational research contributions from across the naval fraternity.
On the sidelines, the ‘Sagar Manthan’ event held on 22 October brought together Naval Commanders, strategic experts, and thought leaders for in-depth discussions on contemporary maritime and security issues.
The conference reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime frontiers, enhancing interoperability across Services, and driving the nation’s journey toward a self-reliant, technology-driven maritime force.
