Naval Commanders’ Conference commences at New Delhi

Naval Commanders’ Conference commences at New Delhi

A four day Naval Commanders’ Conference commenced on 02 May 2017 at New Delhi. Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addressed the Naval Commanders’ and interacted with them along with Hon’ble RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre, Defence Secretary and other senior functionaries of the Ministry of Defence.
 
At the outset, the Hon’ble Defence Minister complimented the Indian Navy for its professionalism & deep commitment towards protecting the maritime interests of the country including the huge maritime boundary as also meeting a large number of international obligations, in line with the country’s defence diplomacy requirements.

During his address the Hon’ble Defence Minister spoke about the prevailing & emerging security situation in the sub continent as also the expanding presence of the extra regional powers in India Ocean Region. He also referred to the situation on the Western Border and its linkage to the internal security. He urged the Commanders’ to be prepared at all times as “Preparedness is the best Deterrent”.

Acknowledging the various crucial requirements of the Indian Navy, the Hon’ble Defence Minister assured the Commanders’ that the Govt. is working on all issues very positively and is going to increase the resources to make good the shortfalls soon. The Defence Minister lauded the efforts of India Navy in indigenisation and urged the Commanders’ to focus on furtherance of Domestic Expertise building up.

Concluding his address, the Hon’ble Defence Minister said that due impetus through appropriate Defence Procurement policies (such as SP Model which would be finalized soon) is being given to make good the critical capability shortfalls viz. ship borne Multi Role Helicopters (MRH), conventional Submarines and Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs).