Geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific region demands greater vigilance : President Kovind

LONAVALA: President Ramnath Kovind today said that the geopolitical situation in the world and in the Indo-Pacific (region) in particular demands greater vigilance.

He reviewed parade and presented Colour (flag) to the INS Shivaji, which is premier technical training establishment of the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art training facilities. Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla were also present on the occasion.

"As a leading power, India plays a crucial role in shaping the global paradigm with respect to international security, trade and commerce. India’s rise in the international order has been fuelled by many factors including the capabilities and valour of our armed forces. The Navy has adopted mission-based deployments in the Indian Ocean region. High quality training of marine engineers is crucial for sustained deployments and presence in our areas of interest. The future will also see great diversity in the propulsion systems ranging from conventional to nuclear and electric and hybrid propulsion. Concepts of maintenance will also undergo a paradigm shift with increased requirements on operational availability of platforms. INS Shivaji will need to impart the requisite skills to all trainees to prepare them to meet future challenges", President Kovind said in his address.

INS Shivaji was commissioned in 1945 as HMIS Shivaji. More than two lakh officers and sailors of the marine engineering branch of the Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign countries have been trained there till date.

The President’s Colour ranks high among the honours bestowed upon a military unit in recognition of the exceptional service rendered to the nation, in peace or war. 

"As INS Shivaji completes 75 years of excellence, let us introspect and reflect on the journey so far and also glance at the future. Technology is leapfrogging to produce autonomous vessels. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed for decision-making and warfighting. The training of marine engineers will also need to be tailored to train them to work with evolving technologies, while maintaining competence in the core engineering profession. I am confident that INS Shivaji would impart the skill set required in the future to all trainees passing out through its portals."

Speaking about role of the Navy in a nation's economy, President Kovind who is also the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces, said, "A nation’s maritime interests are usually also linked to its economy and the well-being of its people. I am told about 90 per cent of our trade, by volume, is handled by sea routes. This enhances the role of the Indian Navy not just in national security but also in economic security, and thus in the wider process of nation building. The Navy is India’s chief instrument of its sea power. It is also the guardian of the nation’s maritime interests, both military and civilian. The nation is proud of the Navy’s commitment in protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and also extending a helping hand in times of civil emergencies. Also, considering the entire world as one family and moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’ (world is one family), India is constantly meeting its global responsibilities."