Naval Commanders’ Conference is an apex-level biannual event facilitating deliberations on significant strategic, operational and administrative issues among the Naval Commanders.
- The MoD lauded the Indian Navy’s readiness towards safeguarding the maritime interests of the country, which has resulted in establishing its credibility as the first responder in the Indian-Ocean Region (IOR).
Importance of Indian-Ocean Region
- Geopolitical: IOR is emerging as a new theatre for geo-political competition between global powers e.g., USA, France etc.
- Hence, it is crucial for pursuing India’s vision of a net security provider, while also containing the rising footprint of China.
- Security: Incidents like piracy, hijacking, drone attacks, missile attacks and disruption of sea cable connections in the seas make it extremely sensitive.
- Economic: With 1/3rd of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and 2/3rd of the world’s oil shipments, IOR remains an important lifeline to international trade and transport.
- Climate Security: Indian Ocean has warmed faster than any other ocean since 1950s (IPCC report 2021).
- Prompt Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) by India is critical for sustaining its credibility as the first responder in the region.
India’s initiatives to Establish leadership in IOR
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