North News
New Delhi, October 15
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasized the Indian Navy’s critical role as the primary guarantor of peace in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including the Bay of Bengal. “A good Navy is not a provocation to war, but a surety of peace,” the Defence Minister said highlighting the necessity for collective maritime security among nations sharing maritime boundaries with India.
The Defence Minister warned that inviting external forces could jeopardize this collaborative security effort and stressed that maintaining peace and order in the Bay of Bengal and IOR should be a priority for all nations. He noted, “If even one country is left out, the entire security wheel breaks,” reiterating India’s commitment to unity and collaboration with neighboring countries for a secure future.
The Defence Minister laid the foundation stone for a Very Low Frequency (VLF) station in Telangana’s Damagundam Reserve Forest, a significant project for the Indian Navy. The ₹3,200 crore facility will span 2,900 acres and aims to enhance naval operational readiness by enabling secure, real-time communication with ships and submarines. He highlighted the VLF station’s strategic importance in modern warfare, emphasizing that effective coordination between personnel and technology is essential. “This VLF station will be a strategic asset, ensuring secure communication in complex maritime environments,” Singh stated, adding that reliable communication is often the deciding factor between victory and defeat. He underlined that without real-time communication, possessing adequate manpower or equipment is insufficient.
He also noted that a robust communication network is vital for military operations, enhancing soldier morale and unity in operational environments. “Clear communication channels are vital during crisis management, especially when the situation is dynamic and response times are short,” he said.
He further discussed the broader strategic implications of India’s growing influence in the IOR and Indo-Pacific, asserting that the nation must maintain a state-of-the-art naval force to protect its security and commercial interests amid increasing global attention in the region. Singh called the Indian Navy a “guarantee of peace” in the IOR and urged for maritime cooperation among bordering countries.
Addressing environmental concerns, Rajnath Singh assured that the government prioritizes sustainable development and that necessary precautions will be taken during the VLF station’s construction. He also pledged that arrangements would be made for the rehabilitation of affected communities if needed.
The project is expected to generate employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers in the region. “This station will drive local economic development, providing job opportunities and acting as a growth pole for the surrounding areas,” the Defence Minister concluded.
