The inaugural edition of the biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 concluded in New Delhi on Friday. The high-level deliberations, conducted over a week from 5 to 11 April, were held in two phases — first at Karwar and later at the capital.
The conference provided a crucial platform for reviewing maritime security challenges and evaluating the Indian Navy’s operational readiness.
The event commenced at Karwar, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the opening session. He was joined by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and top naval commanders.
The discussions centred on strategic imperatives in the Indian Ocean Region and the Navy’s evolving role as a key pillar in ensuring maritime security.
During his visit to Karwar, the Defence Minister flagged off the landmark voyage of IOS Sagar — a mission symbolising India’s dedication to collaboration with nations across the Indian Ocean Region.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader maritime vision, transitioning from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions).
Mr Singh also inaugurated a range of newly developed infrastructure under Project Seabird, including nine state-of-the-art marine piers, eight residential blocks, and other essential utilities.
He praised the Indian Navy for its increasing operational capabilities and its growing role in preserving peace and stability in the region.
The second phase of the conference began on 7 April at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, chaired by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. It featured a thorough evaluation of several key areas including operations, logistics, personnel management, training, and administration.
Several significant publications were released during this phase, such as the Indian Navy’s Space Vision document, Indian Naval Air Publication, Operational Data Framework, and a compendium for veterans titled Navy for Life and Beyond.
Tri-service collaboration remained a central theme, with the naval commanders interacting with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Army Chief, and the Air Force Chief.
These senior military leaders provided their perspectives on the current strategic environment and emphasised the need for synergy in countering emerging threats.
In addition, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant engaged with the Navy’s top brass. Mr Misri discussed the impact of shifting global dynamics on maritime security, while Mr Kant highlighted the Navy’s role in supporting India’s rise as a reliable security partner in the Indo-Pacific.
On the sidelines of the conference, naval commanders participated in the ‘Sagar Manthan’ session on 7 April, where they held discussions with strategic experts and policy thinkers.
The event reflected on India’s maritime aspirations under the MAHASAGAR framework and explored ways the Navy can further bolster national maritime growth.
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