Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends Barakhana at Eastern Naval Command, lauds Navy personnel

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended a Barakhana organised by the Eastern Naval Command ENC in Visakhapatnam on October 5 and interacted with Indian Navy personnel and their familiesCommending naval personnel for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nationrsquos maritime interests Singh acknowledged the contribution and sacrifices of their families whose support enables them to discharge their duties with dedication and commitmentThe Barakhana provided an opportunity to interact with the naval fraternity and reaffirm the governmentrsquos appreciation of the dedicated service rendered by naval personnel Singh saidHe conveyed his continued support to personnel and their families and recognised their contribution towards national securityThe Defence Minister highlighted the Indian Navyrsquos emergence as a powerful maritime force and its proven ability to respond decisively to challenges confronting the nationHe said the Navyrsquos capabilities are recognised across the IndoPacific and commended its personnel for remaining steadfast in all weather and operational conditions while ensuring the security of Indiarsquos maritime boundaries and keeping the Tricolour flying highSingh recalled the Navyrsquos distinguished record of valour and referred to its decisive role during the 1971 War particularly Operation Trident when Indian naval forces struck Karachi harbourHe said the operation demonstrated the Navyrsquos ability not only to safeguard Indiarsquos maritime frontiers but also to project power and undertake offensive operations when requiredThe Defence Minister also paid tribute to personnel whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire future generationsEmphasising Indiarsquos transformation into a maritime power Singh said the Indian Navy has kept pace with the changing security environment of the 21st centuryHe noted that the country has developed and inducted advanced indigenous platforms including indigenous aircraft carriers nuclearpowered submarines stealth frigates and Scorpeneclass submarinesHe stressed that the strength of the Navy extends beyond ships submarines and advanced technology and rests fundamentally on the professionalism patriotism courage and commitment of its personnelIndiarsquos endeavour he said is to ensure that its waters reflect the nationrsquos maritime strength its warships embody Indian technology and its naval operations reflect the countryrsquos growing confidence and selfrelianceCalling for a broader maritime vision Singh said India must move forward with the philosophy of advancing from the seas towards prosperity and powerHe said oceans should be viewed not merely as maritime boundaries requiring protection but also as avenues for economic development strategic influence and national prosperityDescribing naval personnel as heroes and an inspiration to the youth Singh said they represent Indiarsquos future strength and prideHe expressed confidence that their continued dedication and commitment would contribute significantly to Indiarsquos emergence as a stronger more prosperous and selfreliant nationThe Defence Minister also underlined the important role played by the families of Defence Forces personnelHe noted that while naval personnel remain deployed at sea in service to the nation their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the support and strength required for them to discharge their duties effectivelyHe described the service of naval personnel and the sacrifices of their families as a valuable national assetHighlighting the informal and familial spirit of the Barakhana Singh said such occasions provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond between defence personnel their families and the leadershipHe said food is not merely a means of satisfying hunger but also a simple and profound expression of affection and togethernessThe Barakhana he said symbolised the deep relationship between the armed forces and the nation with everyone coming together as part of one larger defence familySingh emphasised that the occasion reflected the fraternity camaraderie and sense of belonging that binds defence personnel their families and the leadershipThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever