Defence Minister attends Barakhana at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, highlights Navy’s growing capabilities, indigenous platforms and the sacrifices of naval families
Visakhapatnam, Oct 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday attended a Barakhana organised by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam and interacted with Indian Navy personnel and their families, commending their commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.
Singh praised naval personnel for their dedication and acknowledged the contribution and sacrifices of their families, whose support enables them to perform their duties with commitment despite prolonged deployments and demanding operational conditions.
The Defence Minister said the Barakhana provided an opportunity to interact with the naval fraternity and reaffirm the government’s appreciation for the dedicated service of Navy personnel. He assured personnel and their families of the government’s continued support and recognised their contribution to national security.
Highlighting the Indian Navy’s growing stature, Singh said it has emerged as a powerful maritime force with the capability to respond decisively to challenges confronting the nation. He noted that India’s naval capabilities are increasingly recognised across the Indo-Pacific and praised personnel for remaining steadfast in all weather and operational conditions.
Singh said the Navy continues to ensure the security of India’s maritime boundaries while contributing to the country’s wider strategic interests and keeping the national flag flying high.
Recalling the Navy’s distinguished record of valour, the Defence Minister referred to its decisive contribution during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, particularly Operation Trident, in which Indian naval forces launched a successful attack on Karachi harbour.
He said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s ability not only to safeguard India’s maritime frontiers but also to project power and undertake offensive operations when required. Singh paid tribute to the personnel whose courage and sacrifice have become an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s transformation into an increasingly capable maritime power. He said the Indian Navy has continuously adapted to the changing security environment of the 21st century and strengthened its capabilities through the development and induction of advanced indigenous platforms.
These include indigenous aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, stealth frigates and Scorpene-class submarines. Singh said the growing indigenous capability of the Navy reflects the country’s broader pursuit of self-reliance in defence production and technology.
However, he stressed that the strength of the Navy cannot be measured only by its warships, submarines, weapons or advanced technologies. Its fundamental strength, he said, lies in the professionalism, patriotism, courage and commitment of its personnel.
Singh said India’s endeavour should be to ensure that its waters reflect the nation’s maritime strength, its warships embody Indian technology and its naval operations demonstrate the country’s growing confidence and self-reliance.
Calling for a broader maritime vision, Singh said India must move forward with the philosophy of advancing from the seas towards prosperity and power. Oceans, he said, should not be viewed merely as maritime boundaries that need protection, but also as avenues for economic development, strategic influence and national prosperity.
Describing naval personnel as heroes and an inspiration for the youth, Singh said they represent India’s future, strength and pride. He expressed confidence that their continued dedication would contribute significantly to the country’s emergence as a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant nation.
The Defence Minister also underlined the important role played by families of Defence Forces personnel. While naval personnel remain deployed at sea in service of the nation, their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the emotional and practical support that enables them to discharge their duties effectively.
Singh described the service of naval personnel and the sacrifices made by their families as a valuable national asset. He said the contribution of families deserves equal recognition in the larger story of India’s national security.
Reflecting on the informal and familial character of the Barakhana, Singh said such occasions provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond between defence personnel, their families and the leadership.
He said food is not merely a means of satisfying hunger but also a simple and meaningful expression of affection and togetherness. The Barakhana, he added, symbolised the deep relationship between the armed forces and the nation, bringing everyone together as part of one larger defence family.
Singh emphasised that the occasion reflected the fraternity, camaraderie and sense of belonging that bind defence personnel, their families and the leadership, reinforcing the shared commitment to the security and progress of the nation.
