Bi-Annual Naval Commanders Conference 2023 Begins

Shri Ajay Bhatt, the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, engaged in discussions with senior naval leadership during the Bi-annual Naval Commanders Conference, which began on September 4, 2023, in New Delhi. This conference, which has shifted its venue outside Delhi since 2023, follows the first edition conducted onboard INS Vikrant in March 2023 and is focused on reviewing the progress of decisions made during the previous edition.

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During his interaction, the Hon’ble RRM commended the Indian Navy for maintaining a high operational tempo, ensuring secure seas for national security and prosperity. He also praised the Navy for its efforts in indigenization and innovation, with the goal of becoming a self-reliant force (Aatmanirbhar) by 2047. This commitment to self-sufficiency was recently demonstrated through the launch of indigenous stealth frigates Vindhyagiri and Mahendragiri, highlighting the Navy’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities through domestic development and innovation.

About Naval Commanders Conference

The Bi-annual Naval Commanders Conference is a significant apex-level event that facilitates interaction among Naval Commanders for the deliberation and formulation of critical policy decisions. This conference, conducted in a ‘Hybrid’ format over three days, brings together senior leadership of the Indian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

Preparation

Over the past six months, the Indian Navy has maintained an intense operational tempo, participating in operations spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Indian Naval ships played a pivotal role in evacuating Indian nationals from Sudan as part of ‘Op Cauvery’ and in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts in Myanmar following Cyclone Mocha as part of ‘Op Karuna.’
Given the Indian Navy’s role as a preferred security partner and first responder in the region, the conference will conduct a thorough review of the Navy’s operational readiness, with a specific focus on the performance of weapons and sensors on naval platforms.

Objectives

During this conference, a comprehensive review of major operational, material, logistics, HR, training, and administrative activities from the previous six months is undertaken.
Additionally, discussions will revolve around charting the course for the upcoming months.
The conference serves as a platform for institutionalized interaction between Naval Commanders and senior government officials to advance various inter-ministerial initiatives aimed at creating a safe and secure maritime environment crucial for the holistic economic growth of the country.

Furthermore, the conference and associated interactions with the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the Chiefs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are utilized to analyze the operational landscape, discuss Tri-Service synergy, and assess the readiness of the Maritime forces.

Additionally, the Commanders will assess ongoing Naval projects with an emphasis on enhancing indigenization through ‘Make in India,’ aligning with the vision of achieving complete self-reliance (‘AatmaNirbharta’) by 2047. There are also plans for a demonstration of indigenization, innovations, and technology initiatives by the Indian Navy on the sidelines of the conference.

Second Edition of Naval Commanders Conference

The Indian Navy presented its ongoing and planned projects that use advanced technologies in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Tactical Communications, Combat Management Systems, Cyber Security, Underwater Domain Awareness, and Combat Platform Integration at the conference. They also showcased new uniform items designed for improved comfort, hygiene, and functionality, including high-absorption T-shirts, camouflage caps, jackets, high-ankle shoes, and a National Civil Dress for Messes/functions.

During the event, the Hon’ble RRM (Raksha Mantri) also launched several important documents, including the Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan 2023-37, IRS Rules and Regulations Handbook, Family Logbook, and Electronic Service Document Project.

Second Edition of Naval Commanders' Conference

Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan 2023-37

The MIPP (Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan) has a 15-year goal to align and integrate the Navy’s infrastructure needs. This plan follows the Government of India’s vision for sustainable infrastructure, including compliance with broader policies like the PM Gati Shakti Project, Disaster Resilience, and the move towards Net Zero emissions.

IRS Rules and Regulations Handbook

The IRS Rules and Regulations Handbook for the Construction and Classification of Naval Combatants has been updated from its 2015 edition to accommodate technological advancements and promote self-reliance in the Naval shipbuilding industry.

Family Logbook

The Family Logbook for Defence Civilian Personnel of the Indian Navy serves as a financial record book for the families of naval civilian personnel. It provides essential financial information on insurance, loans, investments, etc., to be used in times of family emergencies, mishaps, accidents, and more.

Electronic Service Document Project

The Electronic Service Document Project aims to modernize HR record-keeping and management for Naval personnel. It will establish an efficient, digital, centralized, and transparent system in line with the Digital India Vision.

Shubham Mittal

Shubham Mittal is a renowned current affairs writer and expert in government exam preparation, inspiring readers with insightful articles and guiding aspirants with his expertise.

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