Defence Minister praises Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, recalls Operation Trident and highlights families’ contribution to national security
Visakhapatnam : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a Barakhana organised by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on October 5 and interacted with Indian Navy personnel and their families.
Rajnath Singh commended the naval personnel for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime interests and acknowledged the contribution and sacrifices of their families, whose support enables them to perform their duties with dedication and commitment.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister said the Barakhana provided an opportunity to interact with the naval fraternity and reaffirm the government’s appreciation for the dedicated service rendered by Navy personnel. He assured the personnel and their families of the government’s continued support and recognised their contribution to national security.
Navy has emerged as a powerful maritime force: Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh highlighted the Indian Navy’s emergence as a powerful maritime force and its proven ability to respond decisively to challenges facing the nation. He said the Navy’s capabilities are recognised across the Indo-Pacific and praised its personnel for remaining steadfast in all weather and operational conditions while securing India’s maritime boundaries and keeping the Tricolour flying high.
Recalling the Navy’s glorious record of valour, he referred to its decisive role during the 1971 War, particularly Operation Trident, when Indian naval forces struck Karachi harbour.
He said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s capability not only to safeguard India’s maritime frontiers but also to project power and undertake offensive operations against an adversary when required. He paid tribute to the personnel whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.
Focus on indigenous platforms and self-reliance
Emphasising India’s transformation into a maritime power, the Defence Minister said the Indian Navy has kept pace with the changing security environment of the 21st century.
He highlighted the development and induction of advanced, indigenous platforms, including indigenous aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, stealth frigates and Scorpène-class submarines.
Rajnath Singh stressed that the Navy’s strength extends beyond ships, submarines and advanced technology and fundamentally rests on the professionalism, patriotism, courage and commitment of its personnel.
He said India’s endeavour is to ensure that its waters reflect the nation’s maritime might, its warships embody Indian technology and the Navy’s operations demonstrate the country’s growing confidence and self-reliance.
‘Seas should become an avenue for prosperity and power’
Calling for a broader maritime vision, Rajnath Singh said India must move forward with the philosophy of “advancing from the seas towards prosperity and power.”
He emphasised that oceans should not be viewed merely as maritime boundaries requiring protection, but also as avenues for economic development, strategic influence and national prosperity.
Navy personnel and families are India’s strength and pride
Describing naval personnel as heroes and an inspiration to the youth, the Defence Minister said they represent India’s future, strength and pride.
He expressed confidence that their continued dedication and commitment would contribute significantly to India’s emergence as a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant nation.
Rajnath Singh also underlined the important role played by the families of Defence Forces personnel. He noted that while naval personnel remain deployed at sea in the service of the nation, their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the support and strength required for them to discharge their duties effectively.
He described the service of Defence personnel and the sacrifices made by their families as a valuable national asset.
Barakhana strengthens bond between forces, families and leadership
Highlighting the informal and familial spirit of the Barakhana, Rajnath Singh said such occasions provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond between Defence Forces personnel, their families and the leadership.
He observed that food is not merely a means of satisfying hunger but also a simple and profound expression of affection and togetherness, noting that people traditionally invite those with whom they share a special bond to their homes for a meal.
The Barakhana, he said, similarly symbolised the deep relationship between the Defence Forces and the nation, with everyone coming together as part of one larger defence family.
The Defence Minister emphasised that the occasion reflected the fraternity, camaraderie and sense of belonging that bind Defence Forces personnel, their families and the leadership.
He reiterated that while naval personnel remain deployed at sea in the service of the nation, their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the strength and support that enable them to perform their duties effectively. Together, he said, the service of the personnel and the sacrifices of their families constitute a valuable national asset.