Maritime security to be tightened, says Rajnath Singh

Visakhapatnam: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the central government’s focus, in this term, would be on further strengthening maritime security and making the presence of India’s naval power in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) more effective and robust.

The minister visited the Eastern Naval Command to review the operational readiness of the Indian Navy and embarked on INS Jalashwa for a ‘Day at Sea’ event. It was Rajnath Singh’s first outstation visit after assuming charge as defence minister for the second consecutive term.

During the event, Rajnath Singh witnessed the dynamic operations by various ships, submarine and aircraft of the Command, showcasing the combat capability and preparedness of the Indian Navy. He was accompanied by chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and flag officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar.

Interacting with the officers and sailors of the Eastern Fleet, Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for being operationally ready, and emerging as the first responder in the IOR.

“Our Navy ensures that no nation suppresses another in the Indo-Pacific region or endangers its strategic autonomy on the basis of economic strength or military power. This is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) so that our friendly countries in the region remain safe and move forward hand-in-hand on the path of mutual progress,” he said.

Rajnath Singh noted that the Indian Navy is playing a crucial role in the country’s growth and in raising its stature on the international stage. He made a special mention of the Navy’s daring rescue operation in the Arabian Sea in March 2024, when it freed 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates.

Singh highlighted the Navy’s growing strength, which is ensuring the security of India’s maritime borders. He also noted that India’s commercial interests were linked with the IOR and the Navy is a means of securing the maritime borders while achieving the wider national objectives.

“The Indian Navy is continuously becoming stronger, factored by growing industrial infrastructure. Our shipyards are expanding, aircraft carriers increasing, and our Navy is emerging as a new powerful force,” he said.

Upon Rajnath Singh’s arrival at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 50-men guard of honour.