Navy chief calls for self-reliance to ensure operational autonomy
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan says India must build a force capable of fighting and sustaining itself without external dependencies.
Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Tuesday said that building a self-reliant force is a strategic necessity for India. Speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue, the Admiral stated that the Navy must be able to operate, endure, and adjust to situations without being limited by outside agencies or foreign dependencies.
According to The Hindu, Swaminathan noted that global political tensions have reignited historical fault lines, making the use of force a preferred tool of national policy in some regions. He referenced the conflict in Ukraine to highlight how such wars can disrupt supply chains and impact military capabilities.
The Admiral clarified that self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, does not imply isolation. He suggested that being self-sufficient allows India to work with friendly nations from a position of strength rather than weakness.
Swaminathan also mentioned that the democratisation of technology has made advanced tools available to both state and non-state actors. He emphasised the importance of investing in research and development, as well as niche and emerging technologies, to fill capability gaps.
The Navy chief added that the transition from new innovations to actual operational use must occur within a reasonable timeframe. He noted that the Navy remains aware of adversary capabilities in strategic areas like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Strait of Malacca.