News Mania / Agnibeena Ghosh/5th May 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has lauded the Indian Navy for its exemplary operations in foreign waters, where it has assisted numerous merchant ships threatened by pirates, describing the Navy’s efforts as nothing short of a “miracle” (karishma). In an exclusive interview with PTI, Singh expressed his admiration for the Navy’s swift and decisive actions in ensuring the safety of merchant vessels.
Singh also hinted at the government’s willingness to consider the Navy’s proposal for the construction of a second aircraft carrier, acknowledging the strategic importance of such an endeavor. The Navy has been advocating for the development of a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II) with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes, estimated to cost close to Rs 40,000 crore. The Defence Minister’s positive remarks suggest that the government is open to further enhancing the Navy’s capabilities through the construction of additional aircraft carriers.
Expressing confidence in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) ability to retain power for a third consecutive term, Singh outlined the government’s focus on achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. He highlighted India’s significant progress in defence exports, with annual exports crossing the Rs 21,000 crore mark for the first time in 2023-24. Singh set an ambitious target of increasing defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore in the next five to six years, reflecting the government’s commitment to bolstering India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Singh commended the Indian Navy’s exceptional performance in safeguarding strategic waterways and ensuring the security of maritime trade routes. He praised the Navy’s efforts in extending assistance to merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea region, particularly in response to attacks by Houthi militants. The Navy’s proactive measures have been instrumental in thwarting pirate attacks and safeguarding commercial ships operating in these volatile regions.
Regarding the Navy’s proposal for a second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC), Singh indicated that the government is positively inclined towards the initiative. He noted that India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant (IAC I), was commissioned in September last year, marking a significant milestone in the country’s naval capabilities. With a sophisticated air defence network and anti-ship missile systems, INS Vikrant has the capacity to accommodate 30 fighter jets and helicopters, enhancing India’s maritime power projection capabilities.
The Defence Minister underscored the importance of a robust naval presence to counter China’s growing naval influence in the Indian Ocean region. The Navy’s expansion plans, including the development of additional aircraft carriers, are aimed at bolstering India’s maritime security and asserting its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Currently, India operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, with plans for further augmentation of its naval fleet to meet evolving security challenges.
Singh’s interview highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Indian Navy’s exemplary performance in safeguarding maritime interests reflects its professionalism and dedication to upholding national security objectives. As India continues to assert its presence in the maritime domain, investments in naval infrastructure and capabilities will play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and security.
