NEW DELHI: Indian Navy ensures that no nation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) suppresses another with its "overwhelming" military and economic might, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday, against the backdrop of China's continuing strategic forays into the region. India's aim is to develop IOR as "symbol of brotherhood and shared interests", with its Navy ensuring the security of both Indian and foreign ships in the shared commitment for free navigation, rules-based order, peace and stability in the region, Singh said, flagging off the maiden 'Indian Ocean ship (IOS) Sagar' from the Karwar naval base in coastal Karnataka.
Under it, a combined crew of Indian sailors and 44 personnel from nine foreign countries (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania) are manning offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna during her deployment to the south-west IOR from April 5 to May 8.
Addressing representatives from the participating nations, Singh termed the launch of IOS Sagar as a reflection of India's commitment to peace, prosperity, and collective security in the maritime domain. Pointing to India's growing presence in IOR, he said, "It's not just related to our security and national interests but also enhances the security of friendly nations. Our Navy ensures that, in the IOR, no nation suppresses another on the basis of overwhelming economy and military power. We ensure that the nations' interests are protected without compromising their sovereignty."
Accompanied by chief of defence staff general Anil Chauhan, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the minister also inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird worth over Rs 2,000 crore at the Karwar naval base.
Addressing the top naval commanders after reviewing the maritime security situation and operational readiness, Singh asserted that it is necessary to reorient the future roles of the armed forces amid the "present unpredictable" geopolitical landscape. "It's our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world," he said. Emphasising that national security is of paramount importance to the Modi govt, Singh said that govt has always ensured that the requirements of the armed forces are fulfilled.
Under it, a combined crew of Indian sailors and 44 personnel from nine foreign countries (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania) are manning offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna during her deployment to the south-west IOR from April 5 to May 8.
Addressing representatives from the participating nations, Singh termed the launch of IOS Sagar as a reflection of India's commitment to peace, prosperity, and collective security in the maritime domain. Pointing to India's growing presence in IOR, he said, "It's not just related to our security and national interests but also enhances the security of friendly nations. Our Navy ensures that, in the IOR, no nation suppresses another on the basis of overwhelming economy and military power. We ensure that the nations' interests are protected without compromising their sovereignty."
Accompanied by chief of defence staff general Anil Chauhan, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the minister also inaugurated modern operational, repair and logistic facilities constructed under Project Seabird worth over Rs 2,000 crore at the Karwar naval base.
Addressing the top naval commanders after reviewing the maritime security situation and operational readiness, Singh asserted that it is necessary to reorient the future roles of the armed forces amid the "present unpredictable" geopolitical landscape. "It's our responsibility to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as the region has become a focal point for the world," he said. Emphasising that national security is of paramount importance to the Modi govt, Singh said that govt has always ensured that the requirements of the armed forces are fulfilled.
You may also like
Jedward star suffered terrifying cancer scare during Celebrity Big Brother
Football match ends in chaos as fans invade pitch and parents 'cover children's eyes'
CM Mohan Charan Majhi leaves for Delhi to attend Odisha Investors Meet
Vanessa Feltz hits back at LBC caller in heated 'mansplaining' row
'I was put on the stand aged 7 to help jail my mum for life for my sister's murder'
