(Rajnath Singh reviewing progress of infrastructure development at Karwar Naval Base under ‘Project Seabird’ )
Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Defence Minister (DM) Rajnath Singh visited Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka on June 24, 2021, to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure development under ‘Project Seabird’.
Accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Rajnath undertook an aerial survey of the Project Area and Sites before arriving at the INS Kadamba Heli Pad. The visiting dignitaries were received by Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar and Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, Rear Admiral Mahesh Singh.
Rajnath inspected the ongoing works at the Naval Base and received on-site briefings including capability demonstration at the Shiplift Tower. He also undertook a tour of the Naval Harbour and reviewed the marine works/infrastructure being developed as part of Project Seabird Phase II A as also operationalisation of Piers. He visited the newly-constructed Sailors Married Accommodation which incorporates advanced features for water efficiency, handling of house-hold waste, energy efficiency, and provides environment-friendly houses.
The Defence Minister interacted with Project Seabird Contactors and Engineers and Officers, Sailors and Civilians of Karwar Naval Base. In his address, he expressed satisfaction at the progress of works being carried out under ‘Project Seabird’. He hoped that after the completion of the project, Kawar Naval Base would become Asia’s largest Naval base which would further bolster the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and help in augmenting trade, economy, an d humanitarian aid operations, according to a PIB release.
Rajnath complimented the Indian Navy for being a strong arm of the Armed Forces that is making an invaluable contribution towards maritime and national security, besides strengthening India’s position at the strategic as well as diplomatic and commercial levels. He stated that the Navy is successfully discharging its duties of protecting the country through its coastline of more than 7,500 km, about 1,300 islands and an exclusive economic zone of 2.5 million sq kms, playing a crucial role in the development of the world. He also praised the role of Indian Navy during Goa Liberation War of 1961 and 1971 Indo-Pak war among others.
He also highlighted some of the reforms undertaken by the Government to further strengthen the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces, including appointment of Chief of Defence Staff and setting up of Department of Military Affairs in Ministry of Defence. He also listed out a number of initiatives taken by the Government to promote self reliance in defence manufacturing. The initiatives include allocation of 64 per cent of modernisation funds under capital acquisition budget for 2021-22 for domestic procurement; changes in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, and increase in FDI limit in the defence sector to 74 per cent.
On the efforts to boost self reliance in Indian Navy, Rajnath said more than two-thirds of Navy’s modernisation budget has been spent on indigenous procurement in the last five financial years. Lauding Navy’s commitment towards ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’, he stated that out of the 48 ships and submarines, 46 are being inducted through indigenous construction. He described Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant as a shining example of Navy’s self-reliance efforts. He said the commissioning of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant will be a momentous occasion in the history of Indian defence as it is coinciding with the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. He expressed confidence that Indian Navy will become one of the top three Navies in the world in the coming years and continue to play a crucial role in protecting the nation.