During the challenging times in maritime security, where threats can emerge swiftly and "often invisibly", the ability to collect, analyse, and share information in real-time will "define both deterrence and defence," Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said, addressing the commissioning of the Navy's latest naval base — INS Aravali — in Gurugram on Friday. He then emphasises that the threats of tomorrow can only be met if the collaborations to deal with them are built today.
"In the increasingly complex and challenging maritime environment, where threats can emerge swiftly and often invisibly, the ability to collect, analyse, and share information in real time will define both deterrence and defence," the Navy chief said, adding, "As we dedicate INS Aravali to the service of the nation, in a way, these ancient guardians are extending their watch over the maritime domain. From its humble beginnings in 1949, this campus has witnessed a remarkable growth over the last 15 years.”
Deriving its name from the unwavering Aravali range, it shall support various information and communication centres of the Indian Navy, which are key to the country's and the Navy's command, control, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) framework, the defence ministry said in its statement.
The Naval Chief then called information a "decisive currency of maritime power.”
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, "our maritime interests are set to increase manifold, stretching across trade, energy, and connectivity. To safeguard these growing interests, our approach to maritime information must be guided by the trinity of invention, innovation, and integration," he said.
"With an increase in the scale and sophistication of facilities here, it is only fitting that they receive a strong and resilient administrative-cum-logistic support. And, the commissioning of the base depot ship, INS Aravali, provides precisely that foundation," he cited.
Admiral Tripathi then stated that the new base is not a technology hub, but rather a hub for collaboration, linking our platforms and partners across the oceans. In this context, INS Aravali is a true embodiment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's collaborative vision of MAHASAGAR or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
INS Aravali will surely "further strengthen India's role" as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, the admiral said.
"Today, we inscribe a new chapter in the Indian Navy's evolution as a network-centric and knowledge-driven force," he said.
Guided by the motto 'Samudrika Surakshayaha Sahayogam' or 'Maritime Security through Collaboration', the naval base exemplifies a supportive and collaborative ethos, working seamlessly with naval units, MDA centres, and allied stakeholders.
"Just as the Aravali hills have stood steadfast through the ages, may INS Aravali continue to guard our seas and strengthen our partnerships, towards enabling the Indian Navy to safeguard our national maritime interests anytime, anywhere, anyhow," the Navy chief said.
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