Naval Commanders' Conference from Saturday; modernisation, indigenisation, synergy between services in focus

The first edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference will be held from Saturday to Thursday, focusing on the Indian Navy's quest to strengthen modernisation, indigenisation, and self-reliance.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh will engage with Naval Commanders during the event.

The conference will be held in two phases, in  Karwar and New Delhi. The defence ministry said the conference is the apex level, biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational, and administrative issues among the top Naval Commanders.

The event is expected to play a major role in emphasising India's role as a 'Preferred Security Partner' in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), bolstering the Indian Navy’s contribution to regional peace, security, and stability, the ministry added.

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It will begin with the flagging-off of the Indian Ocean Ship Sagar (IOS Sagar) by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

IOS Sagar is an initiative aimed at continued cooperation with IOR nations in pursuance of the Union government's vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR)

Following the flagging-off ceremony, Singh will inaugurate multiple maritime infrastructures and support facilities under Project Seabird. He will also be apprised on 'Indian Naval Op Readiness and Future Outlook' during the first phase of the Conference at Karwar.

A comprehensive review of major operational, material, logistics, HR development, training, and administrative aspects will be undertaken during the second phase of the conference in Delhi. During this phase, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, and Chief of the Air Staff, will interact with the Naval Commanders in a bid to enhance synergy amongst the three services.

“The conference will bring out synergy and address critical operational, administrative and materiel issues meriting immediate attention and decisions by Naval Commanders, charting Indian Navy's course in pursuit of being a  'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force',” a statement from the defence ministry read.

Defence