NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday specified the growing importance of the Indian Navy, saying recent global developments have once again proved that every nation needs a strong and responsive naval force to safeguard its interests.Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam, Rajnath said, “Recent events have once again demonstrated how essential a capable and responsive navy is for any nation.”Citing the Navy’s role during the recent conflict in West Asia, the defence minister praised its efforts under Operation Urja Suraksha. He said the operation ensured the safe passage of merchant vessels carrying vital cargo despite regional tensions.“After the conflict began in West Asia, the Indian Navy, through Operation Urja Suraksha, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying essential cargo worth over 9,000 crore. This shows that our Navy is not just a fighting force but has also emerged as a strong guardian of India’s economic interests,” Rajnath said.The defence minister also stressed the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, saying the region has become the focus of global attention and that India has a key role to play in ensuring its stability and growth.“Today the eyes of the entire world are on the Indo-Pacific region, and India has a crucial role to play in this part of the world. Our Prime Minister has articulated a vision for this region: MAHA SAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions),” he said.Emphasising India’s approach to regional cooperation, Rajnath added, “We seek security and development for everyone in the region. India has emerged as a net security provider and a trusted partner across the Indo-Pacific. Time and again, our Navy has demonstrated that it is the region’s most reliable partner. Whether it is conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations during natural disasters, taking action against maritime piracy, or safely evacuating Indian and friendly foreign nationals from countries in crisis, the Indian Navy has consistently served as both the first responder and the preferred security partner.“Turning to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Rajnath said every indigenously built warship strengthens the country’s technological expertise and industrial capacity.“Whenever we build an indigenous warship, we are not merely creating a new fighting platform. Our design expertise becomes more mature, our technological base grows stronger, and we develop a highly skilled workforce capable of building even more advanced warships for future generations,” he said.He said warship construction also creates a wider ecosystem of industries and skilled jobs, helping strengthen India’s maritime sector.“Constructing a warship is not just about building a ship; it also creates an entire industrial ecosystem around it. In the years ahead, we have numerous naval projects before us. Our goal is to make India a global hub for shipbuilding and maritime defence innovation. I am confident that, in the coming years, our country will establish a distinct identity among the world’s leading nations in this field,” Rajnath said.