Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference from September 29; maritime security, technology to be focus

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s biannual Commanders’ Conference will be held at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi from September 29 to October 1, with maritime security, operational preparedness and induction of emerging technologies expected to be among the key focus areas. The three-day conference, the second edition of the Navy’s apex-level commanders’ meeting this year, will bring together senior naval leadership, including the Operational and Area Commanders.

The conference will review the Navy’s preparedness at the military-strategic level and provide a platform for interaction with senior government functionaries. The Navy’s role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, particularly the security of energy supplies amid the ongoing conflicts in West Asia, will be a major focus. The Navy’s ongoing Operation Urja Suraksha will also be reviewed in the broader context of maritime security.

On the opening day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address the naval commanders and share the government’s vision on maritime security and its expectations from the Indian Navy. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi are also expected to interact with the naval leadership, with an emphasis on greater jointness and integration among the three services. On the subsequent days, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and the Commanders-in-Chief will review key areas including operations, logistics, human resources, training and induction of new technologies. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, autonomous and unmanned systems and cyber operations are expected to receive particular attention.

The conference will also assess the Navy’s overall force preparedness and combat readiness in line with the three pillars of Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation. The discussions will focus on accelerating technology absorption and developing capabilities in line with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.