'Not just a fighting force, but guardian of India's economy': Rajnath Singh hails Navy
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Indian Navy's role as a guardian of economic interests during the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri. He specifically praised Operation Urja Suraksha for securing merchant vessels in West Asia and reiterated India's strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
Why it matters
This underscores India's growing naval ambitions and its self-perception as a 'net security provider' in the critical Indo-Pacific maritime corridor.
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday specified the growing importance of the Indian Navy, saying recent global developments have once again proved that every nation needs a strong and responsive naval force to safeguard its interests.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam, Rajnath said, "Recent events have once again demonstrated how essential a capable and responsive navy is for any nation."Citing the Navy's role during the recent conflict in West Asia, the defence minister praised its efforts under Operation Urja Suraksha. He said the operation ensured the safe passage of merchant vessels carrying vital cargo despite regional tensions."After the conflict began in West Asia, the Indian Navy, through Operation Urja Suraksha, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying essential cargo worth over 9,000 crore.
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