Chairing the last-day session of the four-day Conference on May 28, he addressed
the Navy’s top leadership on host of issues including enhancing operational readiness
of the Commands, infrastructure development, human resources management, coastal
security, cyber security in the Indian Navy and foreign cooperation initiatives,
among others. One of the focus areas discussed during the Conference was
the induction of manpower, aspects pertaining to training and skill development,
and welfare of personnel. Consequent to 2015 being observed as the ‘Year of the
Sailor’ in the Indian Navy, service conditions of sailors and their quality of
life (including post retirement placements, accommodation and hospital facilities
etc) were deliberated upon extensively during the Conference. Talking on the indigenisation
programme of the Navy, Admiral Dhowan stressed that indigenisation of platforms,
weapons, sensors and equipment, through Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), public and private sectors as also through inhouse efforts, should remain
an area of focus. He stated that ‘the roadmap for the Navy’s expansion and growth
would continue to remain anchored on self-reliance and indigenisation’. On this
occasion, the Navy Chief also urged the naval designers and technical officers
to work in close coordination with DRDO so as to develop niche technologies for
the future Navy. Dur ing the cour se of the Conference, the CNS released
the Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (2015-27) and reviewed progress of
various infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline and shall contribute
towards capacity building. Besides, consolidation and strengthening of
the rapidly expanding aviation arm of the Navy was discussed. “Deliberations were
held on infrastructure and manning requirements for new induction aircraft, including
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and enhancement of surveillance in our area of
interest.” The CNS reviewed the ‘coastal security construct’ and was satisfied
with the steady progress made in strengthening the coastal security apparatus
viz induction of FICs, ISVs and NC3 I project. He asserted: “We need to remain
ever vigilant and focused towards our coastal security responsibilities, through
proactive coordination with other maritime agencies and coastal states.” Deliberations
were also held to strengthen ‘Cyber Security in the Indian Navy’. One of
the highlights of the conference was the opportunity Naval Commanders’ had to
interact with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials and the other service chiefs,
wherein issues pertaining to joint operations and military synergy were discussed.
In a first-of-its-kind, a ‘Conclave of Chiefs’ was organised on the sidelines
of the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi May 28. The Conclave, included
for the first time as part of the naval calendar, provided an opportunity for
the former Chiefs to interact with the Commanders and other senior officers and
be apprised with the latest developments in the Indian Navy and its future plans.
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