North News
New Delhi, January 17
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday underlined the need to strengthen India’s offensive and defensive responses in view of the turmoil being witnessed in the rules-based international order. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Friday to mark 2024 as the Year of Naval Civilians, Singh highlighted the increasing complexities faced by the Indian Armed Forces due to a volatile geopolitical landscape.
“In this volatile decade, we’ve witnessed conflicts around the world, requiring us to focus on strategic planning and resource allocation for our defense,” Singh said. He advocated for a consultative approach involving all stakeholders to strengthen India’s security infrastructure and ensure that armed forces remain prepared for evolving threats.
Singh lauded the civilian workforce as “soldiers without uniforms,” recognizing their crucial role behind the scenes in supporting military operations. He further stressed that patriotism, discipline, and courage should guide both civilian and uniformed personnel in fulfilling the nation’s security objectives.
The Defence Minister also underscored the importance of a powerful Navy in India’s security strategy, particularly due to the country’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He pointed to the recent commissioning of three advanced warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—as a testament to India’s growing naval power. Singh noted that India’s economic prosperity is closely linked to maritime security and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters and ensuring freedom of navigation.
As part of his address, Singh also highlighted the growing significance of cybersecurity in modern defense and called for a special awareness campaign to address cyber threats. He emphasized the importance of technology adoption for the nation’s defense readiness, urging both civilian and military personnel to remain abreast of advancements.
Additionally, Singh outlined initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of naval civilians, including a comprehensive insurance scheme to provide financial security to employees and their families. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defense capabilities through inclusive efforts from all sectors, aiming for a “Whole of the Government” and “Whole of the People” approach.
In his welcome address, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, acknowledged the vital role of naval civilians in technical, logistical, and administrative support to the Navy. The event also featured an exhibition celebrating the contributions of naval civilians, a film showcasing various initiatives of the Year of Naval Civilians, and the presentation of Shram Awards to exemplary civilian workers.
