Rajnath Singh praises the Indian Navy for securing 335 merchant ships worth $5.6 billion and driving self-reliance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 23 October commended the Indian Navy for safeguarding maritime trade and national interests across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), noting the safe passage of 335 merchant vessels carrying 1.2 million metric tonnes of cargo valued at $5.6 billion.
Addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the Indian Ocean as a centre of global geopolitics, marked by both cooperation and competition.
“The Indian Ocean Region has emerged as the hub of contemporary geopolitics. The Indian Navy, through its multi-dimensional capabilities, has played a leadership role in the region,” he said, emphasising India’s credibility as a trusted partner in maritime security.
Driving Self-Reliance in Defence
Terming a self-reliant Navy as the foundation of a “confident and powerful nation,” Singh praised the service for its dedication to indigenisation and innovation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Over the past decade, nearly 67% of the Navy’s capital acquisition contracts were signed with Indian industries, reducing import dependence.
“We rely on our own talent and the capabilities of MSMEs and start-ups. The Navy is currently working on 194 innovation and indigenisation projects under iDEX, TDF, SPRINT, and Make in India,” Singh noted, strengthening India’s defence ecosystem through private industries and young innovators.
Boost to Industrial Growth and Jobs
Singh underlined the Navy’s contribution to economic growth through indigenous shipbuilding. Project 17A frigates, with over 75% indigenous content, have generated 1.27 lakh jobs at shipyards like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
The Navy also awarded ₹315 crore in contracts for yard crafts, advancing the “Vocal for Local” vision.
Innovation in Naval Aviation
Singh highlighted progress in projects including Multi-role Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, Utility Helicopters, Twin-engine Deck Fighters, and Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS), filling critical capability gaps while strengthening domestic aviation.
The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat, and senior naval commanders.
Operational excellence was further recognised as Admiral Tripathi lauded “Team Navy” and cited Operation Sindoor as a source of national pride.
Source: Indiaseatrade news
