“WE ARE MISSION READY”

Newly appointed CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF (CNS) ADMIRAL R HARI KUMAR assumed command of the Indian Navy on November 30, 2021 as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff. He succeeds Admiral Karambir Singh who retired after four decades plus of distinguished service. Admiral Hari Kumar was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at Mumbai, prior to taking over as Chief. At the traditional Navy Chief’s media briefing a day before Indian Navy Day (December 4), he spoke in details on a wide range of subjects impacting the forces, specifically the navy. Below are the key points from that briefing.

The navy’s preparedness

Indian Navy has maintained combat and mission readiness and this resulted in preventing any misadventure in its maritime domain. Our mission-based deployment philosophy has enhanced the Indian Navy’s presence across the region enabling rapid responses to emerging security challenges.

In these testing times, the Indian Navy aims to stand steadfast in furthering our national and maritime interests. Our focus on maintaining combat and mission readiness resulted in deterring any misadventure in the maritime domain.

I want to assure you that the Indian Navy is a well-balanced force and is confident of defending India's maritime interests for sure.

Mission-based

Our mission-based deployment philosophy has enhanced the Indian Navy's presence across the region enabling rapid responses to emerging security challenges. The navy has established a persistent footprint in our areas of interests. The naval deployment also serves as a deterrent to inimical interests clearly signalling the navy's reach, capability and intent.

Reforms

The creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is the biggest reform in the military since independence, along with the creation of the post of CDS. This enables faster decision-making and fewer layers of bureaucracy.

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