Team TrickyScribe: In a significant step towards bolstering India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Headquarters Southern Air Command, in collaboration with the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), organized a high-level seminar on “Synergising Air and Naval Forces: Enhancing Combat Power in the Indian Ocean Region” on February 25, 2025. The event saw the participation of key military leaders, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who graced the seminar as the Chief Guest, and Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Integration of Air and Naval Power: A Strategic Imperative
In his address, CDS General Anil Chauhan underscored the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the necessity for India to maintain heightened preparedness and vigilance. Given India’s strategic geographical position, he stressed that seamless integration of air and naval forces is vital to safeguarding national interests and ensuring deterrence. He further emphasized how technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and joint operational exercises would be crucial in shaping India’s defence posture in the coming years.
Strengthening Coordination and Intelligence Sharing
Delivering the Keynote Address, Air Marshal SP Dharkar highlighted the critical need for real-time intelligence sharing between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force to counter emerging threats. He called for improved operational synergy, which would enable the armed forces to enhance combat effectiveness and maintain a strategic edge in maritime security.
Expert Deliberations on Maritime Strategy
The seminar featured two engaging sessions where senior officers from the Integrated Defence Staff, Southern Air Command, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and CAPS provided key insights. Discussions revolved around modern air-sea battle strategies, the role of unmanned systems in maritime security, and evolving geopolitical challenges in the region. Experts also stressed the need to optimize resource allocation and improve force readiness to maintain a competitive advantage in the IOR.
Commitment to Inter-Service Cooperation
The event reinforced the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces towards strengthening joint operational capabilities and enhancing India’s strategic influence in the region. The seminar concluded with a consensus on continued collaboration, sustained modernization, and capability enhancement to address future security challenges effectively.
DGMO’s Strategic Visit to Manipur: Strengthening Border Security
In another significant military engagement, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army, visited Manipur on February 24 and 25, 2025, to assess the security situation along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) and review ongoing border infrastructure developments in the state.
High-Level Discussions on Security Dynamics
During his visit, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai met with Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with key state officials, including the State Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police. The discussions focused on the operational preparedness of the Indian Army, an in-depth assessment of the security landscape, and the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur’s fringe areas.
Whole-of-Government Approach for Stability
Emphasizing a “whole-of-government approach”, the DGMO discussed strategies to normalize the security situation in Manipur. A key focus was on enhancing border management and strengthening security infrastructure along the Indo-Myanmar Border, crucial for preventing cross-border threats and ensuring long-term stability in the region.
Collaboration for Peace and Development
Lt Gen Ghai’s visit underscored the importance of military-state cooperation in implementing strategic security measures aimed at promoting peace and the welfare of the people of Manipur. His engagements with civil and security leadership reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring stability and reinforcing India’s territorial integrity in the Northeast.
Proactive Approach to National Security Ahead
The recent military developments—the Southern Air Command’s seminar on maritime security and the DGMO’s visit to Manipur—reflect India’s proactive approach to national defence. As security challenges evolve, inter-service synergy, technological advancements, and strategic infrastructure developments will remain critical in safeguarding India’s interests across land and sea.
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