NAVAL COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE – 2024/2

The second edition of the bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2024 was conducted from 17 – 20 Sep 2024 at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi. The Conference focused on contemporary security paradigms, and critical analysis to further enhance the combat capability of the Navy and synergise operations with the other Services. It was also meant to delve into the dynamics of the geostrategic situation of the region in the backdrop of international developments and through intense discussions by the senior hierarchy of the Navy, formulate a future roadmap to consolidate as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region and its steadfast commitment and contributions to the national vision of Aatmanirbharta.

The maiden Conference at the new Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, commenced with the inaugural address by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, highlighting the Conference as the single most important apex-level forum of the Indian Navy to discuss, ideate, and find solutions towards ensuring that the Navy remains a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive & Future Ready Force. CNS highlighted the flux in the contemporary geo-strategic environment together with emerging disruptive technologies and evolving tactics in the maritime domain. Enumerating the key focus areas for the IN in the short, medium, and long term, CNS reiterated the need to ensure combat readiness of all naval platforms, equipment, weapons, and sensors underpinned by the singular focus on Ordnance Delivery on Target. CNS also impressed upon the need to maintain vigil towards ensuring maritime security & coastal defence, through close liaison, synergy, and functional linkages with the Coast Guard and other maritime agencies. CNS urged the Commands and Staff at Naval Headquarters to continue evolving as a well-balanced multi-dimensional seamlessly networked force ready to respond, protect, and promote our national maritime interests – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow!

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed and interacted with the Naval Commanders on 19 Sep 24. The RM acknowledged Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining maritime security in IOR and appreciated the key role played by the Indian Navy in protecting the critical commodities transiting through the Gulf of Aden. He shared his thoughts on a multitude of operational and strategic issues with the Naval Commanders, exhorting them to maintain high operational preparedness and readiness to tackle emerging maritime challenges. He also impressed upon the need for enhancing jointness with other Services.

RM also attended a Tech Demo, organised as part of the event. Various agencies, including Indian Navy’s premier R&D organisation Weapons & Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE) showcased indigenous solutions, including Autonomous Systems, domain awareness, software defined radios and other niche tech initiatives. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil & military officials were present on the occasion.

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The CDS, the COAS and the CAS also interacted with the Naval Commanders during the Conference sharing their assessments of the operational environment, and outlining readiness levels to defend national interests. They also highlighted areas of convergence amongst three Services vis-à-vis the prevailing operational environment, to enable further integration of the Armed Forces to collectively meet India’s national security challenges and imperatives.

The Conference included a review of major operational, materiel, infrastructure, logistics and human resource related initiatives, and discussions on contemporary and emerging maritime security challenges and mitigating strategies.