Over the course of three days (Sept 4-6), conducted in a ‘Hybrid’ format, the Naval Commanders led by the Chief of the Naval Staff, will thoroughly assess significant operational, logistical, human resources, training, and administrative activities carried out in the preceding six months. Moreover, they will deliberate on the strategic path to be taken in the months ahead.
The upcoming 2023 Naval Commanders’ Conference, set to take place in New Delhi from September 4th to 6th, marks the second edition of this conference. This event serves as the top-tier, biannual opportunity for Naval Commanders to come together, exchange ideas, and shape crucial policy decisions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver a keynote address during the conference, engaging in discussions with the Naval Commanders. Additionally, the Chief of the Defence Staff will be present too.
Importantly, this conference provides an institutionalized platform for Naval Commanders to collaborate with senior government officials, fostering inter-ministerial initiatives aimed at ensuring a secure maritime environment, which is crucial for the overall economic growth of the nation.
Furthermore, the conference will offer a valuable opportunity for Naval Commanders to interact with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chiefs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, fostering a comprehensive analysis of the operational landscape, discussions on enhancing collaboration across the armed services, and an evaluation of the readiness of the Maritime forces.
The preceding six months have witnessed a high tempo of naval operations, spanning across regions from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The Indian Navy played a pivotal role in evacuating Indian nationals from Sudan through ‘Op Cauvery’ and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in Myanmar following Cyclone Mocha under ‘Op Karuna.’ As the preferred security partner and primary responder to crises in the region, the conference will critically review the Navy’s preparedness, with a particular focus on the performance of naval platforms’ weapons and sensors.
Moreover, Naval Commanders will scrutinize ongoing naval projects with an emphasis on promoting self-reliance through the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aligning with the vision of achieving complete self-sufficiency by 2047. Additionally, there are plans for showcasing indigenous innovations and technological initiatives by the Indian Navy on the sidelines of the conference. The conference will also evaluate various human resources initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life within the Navy and progress made in identifying and eliminating outdated practices within the organization.