Visakhapatnam: Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh on Tuesday iterated that India knows how to give a befitting reply to its enemies and reasserted that the operation Sindoor is not over, and has merely been paused.
Two multi-mission stealth frigates of Project 17A ‘INS Udaygiri’ and ‘INS Himgiri’, were commissioned into the Indian Navy in Rajnath's presence at the Naval base here.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajanth exuded confidence that these warships will not only strengthen the security system and safeguard maritime interests but will also assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
“We know how to give a befitting reply. We gave an effective, measured and precise response through Operation Sindoor. The entire nation is united against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and this national unity, discipline, sacrifice and dedication are our real strength,” he said.
"Operation Sindoor is not over yet. It has merely been paused," he said.
On the rapidly evolving nature of warfare, the minister stated that new technologies, strategies and equipment are being witnessed in every conflict, and it has become necessary to not only keep updating oneself, but also explore the unexplored and achieve the unexpected.
We need to anticipate new threats
“Old thinking will not work in today's era. We need to anticipate new threats and keep finding solutions, which is why our government is giving priority to research and development in the defence sector. Earlier, only a few countries were manufacturing high-tech equipment, which now India is producing on its own soil,” he acknowledged.
Commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighbourhood First
The Defence Minister highlighted that the commissioning bolsters India’s policy of Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security & Growth for All in the Region) and asserted that the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri not only strengthens the Navy’s combat potential but reinforces its role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region.
Appreciating the prompt planning and execution of the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh said: “The adversary realises the strength and capability of our Navy and what it can do”.
He termed the seamless synergy among the three Services and other security agencies/departments during the operation as a proof that the nation stands united in every challenge and tackles it effectively.
Clear testimony to the continued progress: Chief of Naval Staff
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi described the double-commissioning as a clear testimony to the continued progress and dynamic expansion of India’s maritime power. He also highlighted the Indian Navy’s ability to deliver overwhelming force from the sea in the present age of uncertainties and competition, terming it as a credible deterrence against the nation’s enemies.
“We demonstrated this brilliantly during Operation Sindoor when swift deployment and aggressive posturing of our units, effectively constrained the Pakistan Navy, and forced them to request a cease of kinetic actions,” he recalled.
Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, other senior officers of the Navy and naval veterans were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
New Udaygiri and Himgiri carry forward the proud names of earlier frigates
In keeping with the Navy’s tradition of rechristening new ships after their illustrious predecessors, the new Udaygiri and Himgiri carry forward the proud names of earlier frigates that served the nation for decades. The modern Udaygiri pays tribute to the erstwhile INS Udaygiri, which was in commission from 1976 to 2007, while Himgiri honours the erstwhile Himgiri that served from 1974 to 2005. The commissioning of the new ships thus links India’s rich maritime heritage with promising future aspirations.