VISAKHAPATNAM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described India as the primary guarantor of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), highlighting the Indian Navy’s growing strategic role in protecting the country’s maritime interests amid a rapidly changing global security environment.
Addressing naval personnel during the traditional Barakhana event in Visakhapatnam on the eve of the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, the sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Singh praised the Navy’s dedication to safeguarding India’s maritime borders, securing vital sea routes, and ensuring regional stability.
Indian Ocean Crucial for India’s Security and Economy
Emphasising the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, Rajnath Singh said India’s economic prosperity is closely linked to maritime security. He pointed out that more than 90 percent of the country’s trade by volume is transported through sea routes, making uninterrupted maritime connectivity essential for national growth.
He also noted that India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), extensive coastline, and island territories add to the significance of maintaining a secure maritime environment. According to the Defence Minister, growing geopolitical competition and the increasing presence of extra-regional powers have made the region more sensitive, requiring greater vigilance from the Indian Navy.
He said the Navy continues to play a vital role in protecting India’s maritime boundaries while ensuring the safety of critical sea lanes that support global commerce and national energy security.
India’s Responsibility in the Indian Ocean Region
Calling India the largest and most responsible stakeholder in the Indian Ocean Region, Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security across the region.
He remarked that the Indian Ocean is not merely a strategic waterway but forms an integral part of India’s security framework. Stressing India’s responsibility in ensuring regional stability, he said safeguarding the surrounding maritime environment remains a national priority.
The Defence Minister observed that India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific has strengthened its position as a reliable security partner for friendly nations and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a peaceful and rules-based maritime order.
INS Mahendragiri Reflects India’s Defence Self-Reliance
Rajnath Singh described the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri as another major milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance.
The Project 17A stealth frigate has been built under the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and represents the increasing capability of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector. He said the vessel showcases the country’s progress in designing and constructing sophisticated naval warships equipped with advanced technologies.
The Defence Minister stated that expanding indigenous defence production not only strengthens national security but also reduces dependence on foreign suppliers while creating opportunities for domestic industries.
He added that India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years, enabling the armed forces to receive modern and technologically advanced platforms built within the country.
Modern Warfare Demands Constant Preparedness
Highlighting the changing nature of global conflicts, Rajnath Singh said warfare is evolving rapidly, with future challenges likely to emerge in unconventional and unpredictable forms.
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He warned that conflicts today may not always involve formal declarations of war and that adversaries increasingly employ hybrid methods, including cyber warfare, information warfare, and other non-traditional means.
In view of these emerging threats, he urged personnel of the armed forces to remain physically fit, mentally resilient, and technologically proficient.
The Defence Minister encouraged soldiers and officers to continuously upgrade their professional skills, embrace innovation, and master cutting-edge technologies to remain prepared for future security challenges.
He assured the armed forces that the government remains fully committed to equipping them with world-class weapons, advanced technology, and the necessary operational resources.
However, Rajnath Singh underlined that military strength ultimately depends on the courage, discipline, and determination of the personnel operating these systems. He said modern equipment alone cannot guarantee victory, as success in any conflict is determined by the dedication and professionalism of the armed forces.
Senior Naval Leadership Present
The event was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, along with several senior officers of the Indian Navy.
The commissioning of INS Mahendragiri marks another significant step in strengthening India’s naval capabilities as the country continues to expand its indigenous defence manufacturing programme and enhance maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
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