NEW DELHI, Jan 17: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the necessity of bolstering India’s offensive and defensive capabilities amidst the ongoing turmoil in the rules-based international order.
Speaking at an event to honor the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’, he pointed out the increasing complexity faced by the Armed Forces due to a charged geopolitical security landscape and urged for an urgent enhancement of the country’s critical capacity, as highlighted in a Defence Ministry statement.
“When we evaluate the last decade from a defence and security viewpoint, it is clear that it has been a turbulent period. Conflicts and wars are erupting in various regions globally. Given these circumstances, we must plan, allocate resources, and budget for our security. A consultative approach is essential, involving inputs from all stakeholders on how to tackle future challenges. Our forces must be equipped and prepared for the evolving times,” Rajnath remarked.
He added that the civilian workforce, a vital component of the Armed Forces, will significantly contribute to the planning processes.
Highlighting the military’s ambitious mandate and intricate structure, he described the civilian workforce as “soldiers without uniforms,” whose behind-the-scenes support provides critical strength to the troops.
Singh asserted that values like patriotism, valor, and discipline empower soldiers to carry out their duties in safeguarding the nation against various threats, urging the civilian workforce to adopt these values to enhance the security framework.
“In the broader context of national service, every responsible civilian acts as a soldier without uniform, and every soldier is a civilian in uniform,” he stated.
Referencing India’s strategic position and geopolitical circumstances in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Rajnath reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reinforce the Navy, underscoring its essentiality in contemporary times.
He noted the recent induction of three state-of-the-art warships – INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer – constructed in India by Mazagon Dock Limited, calling it a product of collaborative efforts amongst all involved.
“India’s economic well-being is intertwined with maritime security. Thus, it is crucial to protect our territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and secure our maritime routes. In recent years, several major naval powers have diminished their presence in the IOR, whereas the Indian Navy has expanded its footprint. This could lead to rising threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and waters adjacent to East African nations. Accordingly, the Indian Navy is enhancing its presence,” the Defence Minister asserted.
Rajnath described cyber security as a pivotal element of maritime security today, cautioning that neglecting cyber threats could be catastrophic. He also advocated for a dedicated awareness campaign focused on cyber security within the Armed Forces.
He reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to recognizing the contributions of every individual serving the nation. “No one should be overlooked. This is the principle guiding our efforts under the Prime Minister’s leadership. Specifically for the Indian Navy, we have prioritized both civilian and uniformed personnel equally,” Singh stated.
The Minister outlined various initiatives aimed at the welfare of Naval civilians, including an insurance scheme that provides financial reassurance to employees and their families. He pledged that the Government would take every possible measure to fortify the Armed Forces, assuring that all Indians stand in support of them.
Rajnath encouraged the civilian workforce to stay updated with the latest technological advancements and enhance their skills to fulfill the government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. He expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, the nation can meet future challenges and evolve into a developed country.
“Our objective is to adopt a ‘Whole of the Government’ strategy. This approach should transcend departmental boundaries. When individuals collaborate, regardless of their organization, they are united under the broader vision of national development. Moreover, beyond the ‘Whole of the Government’ concept, we should embrace a ‘Whole of the People’ approach. Together, we will not only fortify India from a strategic angle, but will also usher in new dimensions of holistic progress,” he added.
Among those present were Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and others.
During his welcome address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi recognized the essential role of Naval civilians in supporting various aspects of the Indian Navy’s operations, including logistical support, administrative management, and technical assistance. He emphasized that their contribution is vital for the Navy’s combat readiness and operational effectiveness, he said. (UNI)
