New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh is set to witness a remarkable display of twin carrier operations by the Indian Navy during the upcoming top Naval Commanders Conference in March. On board the INS Vikrant, Singh will experience firsthand the might of the Indian Navy as it showcases its prowess at sea. The INS Vikrant, India’s second aircraft carrier, recently completed its maintenance refit at Cochin Shipyard on January 26 and is scheduled to participate in the 50-nation Milan exercise in February, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
During his sea trip from Kochi to Goa, Singh will have the opportunity to observe INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant in action, deploying their fighter aircraft, including the MiG-29 K, in an impressive display of naval power. INS Vikrant is currently undergoing sea trials and will subsequently proceed to Visakhapatnam following its review at Cochin port.
In addition to witnessing the twin carrier operations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the first squadron of multi-role helicopters, the MH 60R, in Cochin during the Naval Commanders Conference. This squadron, consisting of 24 Sikorsky MH 60R helicopters, was acquired by India from the United States through a government-to-government agreement.
The Naval Commanders Conference, scheduled between March 4 and 8, will take place in two stages, with the first stage hosted in Kochi and the second stage in New Delhi. This conference serves as a vital platform for naval commanders to strategize and discuss key issues and policies concerning the Indian Navy.
The twin carrier operations and the significant acquisition of MH 60R helicopters reflect India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities. With the participation of 24 nations in the Milan exercise off the Indian eastern seaboard, the importance of such exercises cannot be overstated. At present, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden face numerous challenges, including the activities of the Houthi militia and Somali pirates, who pose a threat to commercial shipping. The Iranian-backed Shia Houthis aim to disrupt commercial shipping in the Red Sea in order to pressure Israel into suspending its military operations against the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza. Meanwhile, Somali pirates continue to target ships, hijacking them for substantial ransoms.
Amidst these challenges, the Indian Navy has been actively defending commercial shipping from pirates and missile attacks in the Arabian Sea. However, the maritime security situation in the Indo-Pacific remains precarious due to China’s assertiveness and the rapid expansion of the PLA Navy in the South China Sea.
The Indian Navy’s participation in multinational exercises like Milan demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding international maritime interests and upholding the principles of freedom of navigation. These exercises provide an opportunity for navies from around the world to collaborate and enhance their interoperability, ensuring collective security in the region.
As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarks on his sea journey, his presence on board the INS Vikrant underscores the government’s dedication to strengthening and modernizing the Indian Navy. The showcase of twin carrier operations will not only uplift the morale of naval personnel but also showcase India’s maritime capabilities on a global scale.
The Indian Navy’s commitment to protecting commercial shipping, its collaboration with international navies, and its resolve to master twin carrier operations reflect its readiness to tackle emerging challenges in the maritime domain. With the twin carrier operations serving as a powerful symbol of India’s naval strength, the Indian Navy continues to inspire confidence in its ability to maintain peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s presence and participation in the twin carrier operations on board INS Vikrant serve as a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding international maritime security. As the Indian Navy continues to emerge as a formidable force, its role in defending commercial shipping and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly crucial.
