The Indian Navy’s top brass, under the leadership of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, is set to hold a significant three-day conference. This important meeting will focus on evaluating the current security landscape within the Indian Ocean region and bolstering the navy’s operational readiness. Key discussions will also revolve around force levels, advancements in capacity development, the drive for indigenisation, and strategies to effectively address emerging threats.
This biannual commanders’ conference, the second of 2025, carries particular weight, especially following the successful ‘Operation Sindoor’ and amidst the navy’s consistently high tempo of operations and robust combat preparedness. The timing of this conference is also noteworthy, occurring shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent overnight stay aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, where he celebrated Diwali with the navy’s personnel.
Recalling the PM’s experience, a statement on X highlighted, “Witnessed an awe-inspiring Air Power Demo on INS Vikrant, showcasing precision and prowess. The take-off and landing of MiG-29 fighters on a short runway, both in daylight and in the dark night, was a breathtaking display of skill, discipline and technological excellence.”
During ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the strategic positioning of INS Vikrant and its MiG-29K fighter jets in the northern Arabian Sea proved instrumental in deterring hostile aircraft, keeping them at a considerable distance from the carrier battle group. This operation also underscored the importance of jointness among the three armed services, a crucial element for the eventual formation of theatre commands. ‘Operation Sindoor’ served as a direct military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, with India striking terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in early May.
The navy emphasized its commitment to enhancing combat capabilities, improving interoperability, and fostering joint operations with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. This collaborative approach, the navy stated, demonstrates its resolve to counter emerging threats and assert its maritime prowess across the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific.
In a broader geopolitical context, the conference will also acknowledge China’s efforts to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific through military base establishments and strategic concessions from vulnerable nations.
During the conference, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan are scheduled to address the naval commanders, offering insights into national interests and the vision for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ The navy highlighted that the conference is designed to refine its strategic outlook for navigating complex multi-dimensional challenges in the current geo-strategic environment. Additionally, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh are also expected to address the naval leadership. Discussions are anticipated to cover critical areas such as naval operations, training, resource allocation for diverse operational tasks, and an overall review of the navy’s preparedness along both the western and eastern seaboards.