Phase 2 of First Edition of Naval Commanders' Conference commenced with an inaugural address by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, at Nausena Bhawan on April 7, 2025. The five-day event is being conducted in two phases, Phase I was held on April 5, 2025 at Karwar and Phase 2 being held at New Delhi from April 7 to 10, 2025.

Phase 1 witnessed 'Review of Indian Navy's Operational Readiness and Future Outlook', 'Flagging-off of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar to Southwest Indian Ocean Region' and 'Inauguration of key infrastructure of Project Seabird' by the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh.

A Day at Karwar Naval Base!

On the occasion of the National Maritime Day, on 05 Apr 25, I had the privilege of witnessing a truly remarkable milestone for India, the #IndianNavy, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

From the ambitious strides in building infrastructure and… pic.twitter.com/3bJpFqKPst

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 6, 2025

Addressing the outstation Operational and Area Commanders, and Commands and Naval Headquarters Staff, during the inaugural session of Phase 2, CNS commended the achievements of the Navy in maintaining a Combat Ready force through successful exercises, increased operational availability of platforms and joint operations with Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Highlighting the contribution to the domestic Ship-building industry and increased culture of innovation and creativity, CNS laid emphasis on continued focus on adapting emerging technologies to build a Future Ready force. CNS reiterated Indian Navy's obligation in IOR in the emerging geopolitical scenario and the importance of Cohesive and Credible approach by engaging in multilateral and bilateral exercises and supporting the littoral countries through activities such as 'Operation Brahma' and the deployment of IOS Sagar. CNS directed the staff to maintain focus on seven key areas - War Fighting & Combat Efficiency, Force Levels & Capacity Development, Fleet Maintenance & Op Logistics, Innovation & Integration of New Technologies, Balanced Workforce Development, Operational & Organisational Agility and Synergy with other National agencies and stakeholders.

Publications pertaining to Indian Navy's Operational Data Framework, Space Vision, Naval Aviation, and Retirement and Life beyond the Navy, were released by CNS during the conference.

The CC also witnessed interaction with Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary to the Government of India. Speaking to the Apex leadership of the Indian Navy, the Foreign Secretary shared his views on the emerging global order, international affairs, foreign policy challenges and the role of Indian Navy in national diplomacy.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, addressed the Naval Commanders and Staff on April 8, 2025. Congratulating the Indian Navy for a dominant role in IOR as the 'Preferred Security Partner', and promoting regional peace and stability, he commended the Navy's effort in building national power and recent HADR assistance to Myanmar. He also highlighted the geopolitical scenarios prevailing in the Middle East, Europe and East Asia and emphasised the need for resilience and the role of Navy in expanding India's diplomacy through MAHASAGAR and IOR Rim association.

The Naval Commanders engaged in discussions on emerging challenges in the maritime domain and strategies for responding to the evolving geostrategic environment. A wide gamut of Naval issues including operational readiness, coastal security, cyber security, net-centric operations, infrastructure upgradation, maintenance of Naval platforms and human resources development were among the issues considered during the deliberations.