Naval Commanders Conference.
Operation Sindoor Sent Global Message of India’s Naval Power: Rajnath Singh: New Delhi, October 23, 2025 — The Indian Navy’s successful conduct of Operation Sindoor has sent a powerful signal to the world, demonstrating India’s readiness to respond decisively to any challenge, Defence Ministry officials said during the Naval Commanders’ Conference held in New Delhi on October 23, 2025. The operation, which involved a series of strategic maritime manoeuvres, highlighted India’s ability to impose a deterrent posture in the region, forcing Pakistan to limit its naval operations near its coast.
Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, commended the Indian Navy for its exceptional operational readiness, asserting that Operation Sindoor not only showcased the Navy’s professional capabilities but also sent a clear message to global adversaries about India’s strategic resolve. He highlighted that the Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become a source of “comfort for friendly nations” and a “discomfort for those who seek to destabilise the region.”
“Operation Sindoor was a symbol of India’s willpower and capability,” the Defence Minister stated. “It reaffirmed that we are always prepared to respond to every challenge that may arise, maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
READ: QNu Labs Puts India on the Global Quantum Security Map at IMC 2025
Maritime Dominance in the Indian Ocean Region
The Defence Minister also emphasised the growing significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), noting that it has become a focal point for both competition and cooperation in contemporary geopolitics. In recent months, India’s naval presence in the region has increased significantly, with Indian Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft being deployed at an unprecedented scale.
In the last six months alone, the Indian Navy has provided safe passage to around 335 merchant vessels, carrying an estimated 1.2 million metric tons of cargo worth USD 5.6 billion. This, according to Singh, underscores India’s growing stature as a “trusted and capable partner” in the global maritime economy.
“India is not just a regional power; we are becoming a significant global player. Our Navy’s role in safeguarding vital sea lanes of communication and ensuring secure trade routes is a testament to our capabilities,” Singh added.
READ: Embraer and Mahindra Group Forge Strategic Alliance to Bring C-390 Millennium to India
Focus on Self-Reliance and Indigenous Innovation
A significant portion of the Defence Minister’s address centred on self-reliance and innovation within the Indian Navy. As part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the Navy has increasingly turned to indigenous equipment and innovation, reducing its dependency on foreign imports. Over the past decade, approximately 67% of the Navy’s capital acquisition contracts have been awarded to Indian industries.
“Self-reliance in defence is the foundation of a confident and powerful nation,” Singh remarked. “The Navy is leading the charge in this mission, with numerous projects focusing on indigenisation, and I am proud to say that Indian industries, MSMEs, and startups are playing a crucial role in enhancing our naval capabilities.”
One of the notable projects contributing to India’s self-reliance is the development of the Project 17A ships, which feature over 75% indigenous content. The construction of these ships has also created significant employment opportunities, with more than 1.27 lakh jobs generated in Indian shipyards such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
The Indian Navy is also working on 194 innovation and indigenisation projects under various initiatives like iDEX, TDF, SPRINT, and Make-in-India. These projects are not just strengthening the Navy’s technological capabilities but are also fostering a culture of innovation among India’s youth and private industries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on INS Vikrant Aircraft Carrier.
A Modern Navy for Modern Warfare
In an era where technology and intelligence are the key drivers of modern warfare, Singh emphasised the importance of equipping the Indian Navy with the latest state-of-the-art technologies. “Maritime preparedness today is not just about ships and submarines; it’s about network-centric operations, autonomous systems, and integrated technology platforms,” the Defence Minister noted.
He acknowledged that the Indian Navy has made substantial strides in its aviation sector, with projects such as Multi-role Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, Utility Helicopters, and Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) helping to close critical capability gaps in the service. These innovations are not just enhancing operational efficiency but are also providing a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
“Every project we undertake in the Navy not only strengthens our security but also contributes to our national economy,” he said, highlighting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in defence production.
The Need for Strategic Thinking in Modern Warfare
Singh also stressed that strategic thinking and the tactical use of modern platforms are equally critical as acquiring advanced equipment. “Modern warfare is not solely about fleet size or technological superiority. It is about how you utilise these platforms effectively and strategically,” he said. “Agility, adaptability, and human judgment remain vital in crafting successful military strategies.”
The Defence Minister advocated for a comprehensive approach to national defence strategy that integrates technology, human resources, and partnerships. He outlined three key areas that must be addressed for the Navy to continue thriving: capability, people, and partnerships.
“By focusing on technology and strength, supporting the welfare of our sailors and their families, and fostering partnerships with industries, academia, and international allies, the Indian Navy will continue to emerge as a more reliable and powerful force,” Singh concluded.
Naval Commanders Conference.
Naval Commanders’ Conference: A Platform for Strategic Dialogue
The Naval Commanders’ Conference serves as an essential platform for dialogue between the naval leadership and the national decision-makers. The conference, which brings together Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and senior defence officials, provides an opportunity to discuss operational preparedness, future strategic priorities, and indigenous innovation under the government’s Make-in-India programme.
The conference also aligns with the government’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across all Regions), which seeks to further India’s role as a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indo-Pacific.
As part of the ongoing review, the Navy’s leadership is examining operational readiness on both the western and eastern seaboards, ensuring that the force is prepared to address the dynamic challenges posed by the rapidly evolving geo-strategic environment.
With the Indian Navy at the helm of India’s maritime security strategy, bolstered by indigenisation and innovation, the nation is poised to assert itself as a major player in global maritime affairs. Operation Sindoor exemplified the Navy’s readiness to respond to any challenges, and the Navy’s increasing collaboration with industry and international partners sets the stage for a more secure and prosperous future for India in the Indo-Pacific region.
READ: Military Combat Parachute System Developed by DRDO Successfully Tested at 32,000 Feet
