Image Credits : The Indian Express
A significant ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, officially commissioned INS Sandhayak into the Indian Navy’s fleet.
The Defence Minister, who arrived in Visakhapatnam earlier to attend the Commissioning Ceremony, was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival. Addressing the ceremony, Singh underscored the robust capabilities of the Indian Navy, emphasizing its role in ensuring security and facilitating trade in the Indian Ocean and Indian Pacific regions.
Speaking on the Indian Navy’s growing stature, Singh stated that if he were to discuss the naval power then he would like to emphasize the fact that the Indian Navy had strengthened to the extent that it had assumed the role of the primary responder regarding security in the Indian Ocean and the Indian Pacific region. He highlighted the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean, noting its status as a critical hub for global trade and the presence of choke points like the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Guinea.
Singh reiterated India’s firm stance against maritime piracy and smuggling, asserting that individuals engaged in such activities would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasized the Indian Navy’s recent efforts in rescuing 80 fishermen and its commitment to combating illegal activities such as unregulated fishing, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling in the region.
Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar echoed Singh’s sentiments, reaffirming the Navy’s dedication to fostering self-reliance and enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. He welcomed Singh’s presence at the Commissioning Ceremony and highlighted the Indian Navy’s achievements in indigenous shipbuilding, including warships and submarines.
Admiral Hari Kumar introduced INS Sandhayak as the latest addition to the Navy’s assets, describing it as the 34th vessel in the fleet. He outlined the vessel’s significance as an advanced Survey Vessel, marking the beginning of a new era in naval operations.
The newly commissioned INS Sandhayak is a modernized version of its predecessor, which served in the Indian Navy from 1981 to 2021. Launched on December 5, 2021, and delivered to the Indian Navy on December 4, 2023, the new INS Sandhayak represents a leap forward in maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The ceremony concluded with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar expressing their appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the naval personnel involved in the commissioning process. The event therefore served as a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and promoting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.