Defence minister Rajnath Singh (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday specified the growing importance of the Indian Navy, saying recent global developments have once again proved that every nation needs a strong and responsive naval force to safeguard its interests.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam, Rajnath said, “Recent events have once again demonstrated how essential a capable and responsive navy is for any nation.”Citing the Navy’s role during the recent conflict in West Asia, the defence minister praised its efforts under Operation Urja Suraksha. He said the operation ensured the safe passage of merchant vessels carrying vital cargo despite regional tensions.”After the conflict began in West Asia, the Indian Navy, through Operation Urja Suraksha, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying essential cargo worth over 9,000 crore. This shows that our Navy is not just a fighting force but has also emerged as a strong guardian of India’s economic interests,” Rajnath said.The defence minister also stressed the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, saying the region has become the focus of global attention and that India has a key role to play in ensuring its stability and growth.”Today the eyes of the entire world are on the Indo-Pacific region, and India has a crucial role to play in this part of the world. Our Prime Minister has articulated a vision for this region: MAHA SAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions),” he said.Emphasising India’s approach to regional cooperation, Rajnath added, “We seek security and development for everyone in the region. India has emerged as a net security provider and a trusted partner across the Indo-Pacific. Time and again, our Navy has demonstrated that it is the region’s most reliable partner. Whether it is conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations during natural disasters, taking action against maritime piracy, or safely evacuating Indian and friendly foreign nationals from countries in crisis, the Indian Navy has consistently served as both the first responder and the preferred security partner.”Turning to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Rajnath said every indigenously built warship strengthens the country’s technological expertise and industrial capacity.”Whenever we build an indigenous warship, we are not merely creating a new fighting platform. Our design expertise becomes more mature, our technological base grows stronger, and we develop a highly skilled workforce capable of building even more advanced warships for future generations,” he said.He said warship construction also creates a wider ecosystem of industries and skilled jobs, helping strengthen India’s maritime sector.”Constructing a warship is not just about building a ship; it also creates an entire industrial ecosystem around it. In the years ahead, we have numerous naval projects before us. Our goal is to make India a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime defence innovation. I am confident that, in the coming years, our country will establish a distinct identity among the world’s leading nations in this field,” Rajnath said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSupriya Sule Dismisses Pawar-Shinde Meeting Row, Calls It A ‘Storm In A Tea Cup’ Amid SpeculationINS Mahendragiri Joins Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Power Amid Indo-Pacific Challenges | WatchHighway Blocked, Resignations Threatened As BJP Faces Backlash Over Ticket Choice In MPNEET Paper Leak Traced To Contracted Paper Setters, Charge Sheet Likely This Month | WatchIndia, New Zealand Grows Ties to Strategic Partnership; Aim to Double Trade to ₹35,000 Crore by 2030″J&K Is Part Of India”: Indian Diplomat Objects To Map Row At Dhaka Foreign Policy EventSupreme Court Drama: Petitioner Abuses CJI, Throws Papers; No Contempt Action TakenDevendra Fadnavis Clarifies ‘Bhade Ke Tattu’ Remark, Says He Will Call Critics ‘Hired Fools’Amit Shah Announces Smart Border Vision With Four-Pronged Security Grid40-Foot Illegal Pipeline Linked To IOCL Oil Network Found In Rajasthan; Police Probe Oil Theft123PhotostoriesWorld’s 10 most populous cities in 2026 every traveller should know7 foods that feed good gut bacteria better than curd5 DIY haircare ingredients that may be causing more hair fall than you thinkAnanya Panday ditched conventional Wimbledon whites for a chic red Ralph Lauren dress that turned every headEating these 8 foods excessively may contribute to hair fall10 things every Indian child born in the 90s and 2000s remembersRelationship lessons from Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza that couples can learnHow to know if fish is fresh: 5 simple signs that can save you from buying stale seafoodWhat happens to your body when you eat chickpeas every day for a monthFrom Samosa to Bread Pakoda: Popular deep-fried snacks of India and their calorie count you should know123Hot PicksSIRBlake LivelyGurgaon EncounterCM VijayAlex PereiraPM ModiNico HischierStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday specified the growing importance of the Indian Navy, saying recent global developments have once again proved that every nation needs a strong and responsive naval force to safeguard its interests.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam, Rajnath said, “Recent events have once again demonstrated how essential a capable and responsive navy is for any nation.”Citing the Navy’s role during the recent conflict in West Asia, the defence minister praised its efforts under Operation Urja Suraksha. He said the operation ensured the safe passage of merchant vessels carrying vital cargo despite regional tensions.“After the conflict began in West Asia, the Indian Navy, through Operation Urja Suraksha, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying essential cargo worth over 9,000 crore. This shows that our Navy is not just a fighting force but has also emerged as a strong guardian of India’s economic interests,” Rajnath said.The defence minister also stressed the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, saying the region has become the focus of global attention and that India has a key role to play in ensuring its stability and growth.“Today the eyes of the entire world are on the Indo-Pacific region, and India has a crucial role to play in this part of the world. Our Prime Minister has articulated a vision for this region: MAHA SAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions),” he said.Emphasising India’s approach to regional cooperation, Rajnath added, “We seek security and development for everyone in the region. India has emerged as a net security provider and a trusted partner across the Indo-Pacific. Time and again, our Navy has demonstrated that it is the region’s most reliable partner. Whether it is conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations during natural disasters, taking action against maritime piracy, or safely evacuating Indian and friendly foreign nationals from countries in crisis, the Indian Navy has consistently served as both the first responder and the preferred security partner.“Turning to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Rajnath said every indigenously built warship strengthens the country’s technological expertise and industrial capacity.“Whenever we build an indigenous warship, we are not merely creating a new fighting platform. Our design expertise becomes more mature, our technological base grows stronger, and we develop a highly skilled workforce capable of building even more advanced warships for future generations,” he said.He said warship construction also creates a wider ecosystem of industries and skilled jobs, helping strengthen India’s maritime sector.“Constructing a warship is not just about building a ship; it also creates an entire industrial ecosystem around it. In the years ahead, we have numerous naval projects before us. Our goal is to make India a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime defence innovation. I am confident that, in the coming years, our country will establish a distinct identity among the world’s leading nations in this field,” Rajnath said.
