CDS Gen Raja Subramani visits Western Naval Command, reviews operational preparedness
New Delhi, June 18
The Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani visited the Western Naval Command on Thursday to review the Army's operational preparedness and maritime security initiatives.
During the visit, General Subramani held detailed discussions with VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and other senior officers on operational readiness, capability development, and emerging security challenges.
This is General Raja Subramani's first visit to Western Command, India's strategic and largest command centre for safeguarding western borders, after taking over as CDS. General Raja Subramani assumed charge as the country's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on May 31.
The Western Command, based near Chandigarh, is one of the Indian Army's primary operational commands, tasked with guarding the western borders.
The CDS also visited several formations and units under WNC, gaining first-hand insights into frontline operational capabilities.
Addressing the personnel, General Raja Subramani commended their professionalism, dedication and steadfast commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests.
He underscored the critical role of the Indian Navy in ensuring maritime security, maintaining a high tempo of operational readiness and advancing jointness in support of national security objectives.
His visit to the Western Command assumes significance as such visits are aimed at evaluating combat readiness and integration of the armed forces.
General Subramani, after taking over the country's highest military appointment, has laid strong emphasis on jointness, self-reliance, and innovation in the armed forces.
The CDS has asserted that he would work towards enhancing jointness, integration and synergy in the Defence Forces, focus on accelerated development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons to achieve Aatmanirbharta.
He also called for innovation in thought and action and greater collaboration among all stakeholders to drive capability development and modernisation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's reassuring to see the top brass personally visiting frontline commands. But talk is cheap - let's see if this translates into faster procurement of indigenous submarines and aircraft carriers. We need to walk the talk on Aatmanirbharta, not just give speeches. 👏
Finally a CDS who understands that modern warfare requires joint operations. Our Navy and Army have often worked in silos. Let's hope this visit leads to better coordination in coastal defense. Also glad to see focus on innovation - our forces need to be future-ready, not just status-quo.
Western Command is literally guarding our borders with Pakistan and also the Arabian Sea. Good to see the CDS personally reviewing readiness. But we also need more investment in naval infrastructure on the west coast - ports, dry docks, and repair facilities. Karwar base expansion should be priority.
Impressive that the CDS is visiting operational commands within weeks of taking charge. Shows seriousness about national security. However, I wish the media covered defense visits with more technical depth instead of generic "reviewed preparedness" lines. What specific capability gaps were identified? 🤔
As someone from Gujarat, I appreciate this focus on western maritime security. Our coastline is vulnerable to smuggling and terror infiltration. The Navy's role in coastal security can't be overstated. Let's hope the CDS's visit leads to more joint exercises between Navy, Coast Guard and state police.
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