'Indian Navy is moving towards indigenisation rapidly': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday emphasised the swift shift towards indigenisation within the Indian Navy, adding that earlier most equipment in the Navy used to be imported, but now the Navy is transitioning from being a ‘buyer Navy’ to a ‘builder Navy’. Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising the operational needs of the Navy. Speaking at the Navy Day celebrations in Sindhudurg, Singh acknowledged the historic shift, stating that a decade ago, the Navy was undervalued compared to land-based threats. He commended PM Modi for breaking away from this mindset, facilitating the Navy’s rapid progress toward indigenisation. “A few months ago, the first indigenous aircraft carrier was commissioned by PM Modi. Earlier, most equipment used to be imported, but now we have become a builder Navy from the buyer Navy,” he added.

#WATCH | Sindhudurg, Maharashtra: At 'Navy Day 2023' celebrations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "A decade ago, it was believed that the threats faced by the country are only land-based. And the Navy was not given much importance. But when PM Modi came to power, he rose… pic.twitter.com/cAmsq7OOJi

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district on Monday. Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, also present at the event, highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic vision in investing in sea power. On the occasion, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had the foresight to invest in sea power. “The PM commissioned our indigenous aircraft carrier last year and the new insignia of the Navy was also unveiled. The new insignia is inspired by the royal seal of Shivaji Maharaj. After 300 years of subjugation, Chhatrapati Shivaji carved out ‘Swarajya’. He had the foresight to invest in sea power. Sindhudurg Fort here is a testament to his important message that one who controls the seas is powerful,” the Navy Chief said. With inputs from ANI