Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said to overcome emerging security challenges in the maritime domain, the navy should focus on developing futuristic capabilities.
On March 6, 2024, the bi-annual Naval Commander’s conference was held on board India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Naval Commander’s conference.
A Constant vigil
The bi-annual Naval Commander’s Conference was significant as it was held on India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The domineering presence of INS Vikrant illustrates the indispensable need for “indigenous” defence manufacturing and modernization of the armed forces in order to truly adopt the principle of strategic autonomy.
Rajnath Singh said on board INS Vikrant that future conflicts will be unpredictable. He pointed out that every major power in the international system has to re-strategize because of the constantly evolving world border. “In order to be future-ready to meet all the challenges, it is imperative to maintain constant vigil on the northern and western borders and also along the entire coastline,” said Rajnath Singh during the Naval Commander’s conference.
Future conflict: unpredictable
Rajnath Singh characterised the future conflict as unpredictable. In his remark to Navy Commanders, he suggested that Armed Forces should keep their focus on developing futuristic capabilities, which will only address the new and emerging challenges in maritime security domains. Since 2014, the defence export capability of India has been on an upward trajectory.
In the Defence Acquisition Procedure, there is special focus on the requirements of indigenous content in defence equipment. This shift of focus towards Indigenization is testifying to the rise of India to the status of a military superpower in the coming decades.
Rajnath Singh said on board the INS Vikrant that it was crucial to make progress and take bold steps towards becoming a military superpower if India were to place itself among the major economic powers of the world by the end of Amrit Kaal.
Security and socio-economic progress
Conjoining the goal of social and economic progress among the nations with the overall security architecture of the country, Rajnath Singh said that to assure social and economic advancement and progress, the security of the nation’s boundaries was a prerequisite.
Rajnath Singh pointed out that security and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive; rather, they go hand in hand. Stressing the complementary relationship between security and economic prosperity, Rajnath Singh said the defence sector in the last decade had transformed itself into a significant demand creator and facilitator, thus boosting the overall economy and ensuring the prosperity of the nations.
Atmnirbhartaa in Defense
INS Vikrant was the venue of the bi-annual Naval Commander’s conference, which brought the aircraft carrier’s journey into sharp focus. The INS Vikrant is a testament to the country’s steps towards achieving self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector. Six months ago, the 45,000-ton Vikrant, which was built at Cochin Shipyard, was commissioned into the navy. The indigenous content, which is sourced from the industries of India, is 76%.
Defence Minsiter joined the idea of strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The minister discussed self-reliance, stressing how important it was for a large nation like India to be totally independent and not rely on anyone else for security.
Rajnath Singh said self-reliance in defence manufacturing is imperative for any true sense of strategic autonomy, and this is the prime policy focus area for the central government. 75% of the defence capital procurement budget has been dedicated to the domestic industries in 2024-2024, and this illustrates the thrust towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Defence superpower
The Defense Minister pointed out that the Indian defence industry is poised to transform the economy of the nation by developing capabilities that are compatible with future conflicts.
Mr. Singh stressed that if India were to be the top economic power on the globe by the conclusion of the Amrit Kaal, it had to follow the path of indigenous defence manufacturing and take bold steps towards transforming itself into a military superpower.
It was not the first time a high-level conference was held on a warship. Before this, PM Modi attended the combined commander’s meeting on INS Vikramaditya.
