Andhra Pradesh: Defence Secretary visits Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam

ANI May 19, 2025 285 views

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh conducted a two-day visit to the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, reviewing operational capabilities and infrastructure projects. His visit coincided with Exercise Tiger Triumph, a major Indo-US joint military drill enhancing bilateral cooperation. The exercise featured rigorous combat training, including jungle warfare and live firing drills involving Gorkha Rifles and US Marines. Senior officials from both nations participated, reinforcing strategic defense ties.

"Integrated Field Craft training focused on tactical movement, obstacle navigation, and terrain-specific combat readiness." – Indian Defence Ministry
Visakhapatnam, May 18: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam on a two-day visit from May 16 to 17, the ministry said on Sunday.

Key Points

1

Defence Secretary assesses Eastern Naval Command’s operational capabilities

2

Reviews East Coast infrastructure projects

3

Observes Indo-US Exercise Tiger Triumph drills

4

Gorkha Rifles showcase combat readiness with US forces

During the visit, the Defence Secretary interacted with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, as per the release.

He was briefed on the Command's operational capabilities and key activities.

He was also provided a detailed overview of ongoing and planned infrastructure development projects on the East Coast that are aimed at further enhancing naval operational and strategic capabilities.

Earlier, in a dynamic demonstration of bilateral military cooperation and joint operational readiness, Indian and US Armed Forces concluded a comprehensive training phase in Visakhapatnam as part of Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025.

This tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative continues to enhance interoperability, mutual trust, and cultural synergy between the two strategic allies.

The harbour phase featured rigorous physical conditioning, jungle warfare, and small arms training, and integrated field craft modules. The Indian contingent was represented by troops from the 8 Gorkha Infantry Battalion Group of the Amphibious Brigade, Bison Division, under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps.

They trained alongside personnel from the US Army's 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ("Bobcats") of the 11th Airborne Division and the US Marine Corps' 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

At the Duvvada Firing Range, soldiers engaged in buddy pair and combat firing, Jungle Lane Shooting, and close-quarter battle drills simulating dense terrain operations. Integrated Field Craft (IFC) training focused on tactical movement, obstacle navigation, and terrain-specific combat readiness. A Combat Medical Aid module emphasised battlefield first aid and casualty evacuation procedures.

Rear Admiral Greg Newkirk, Commander, Task Force 70, US Navy, and the Commanding Officer of the Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion Group, actively participated in live firing and jungle combat drills, exemplifying leadership by example. Senior officials from HQ Eastern Naval Command and HQ Integrated Defence Staff were also present, underscoring the high-level commitment to Indo-US defense cooperation.

Reader Comments

P
Prakash M.
Good to see our defense leadership taking stock of Eastern Naval Command's capabilities. With China's growing presence in Indian Ocean, we must strengthen Vizag as our eastern bulwark. The infrastructure development plans are crucial - hope they're executed swiftly! 🇮🇳
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Sunita R.
Exercise Tiger Triumph shows how far India-US defense ties have come. But I hope we maintain strategic autonomy - our partnership should be about mutual benefit, not one-sided dependence. The jungle warfare training sounds intense! Our Gorkha regiments are truly world-class.
A
Arjun K.
As someone from Vizag, proud to see our city playing such an important role in national security! But the navy should also engage more with local communities - maybe organize some public demonstrations? Would boost patriotism and recruitment.
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Rohit P.
The HADR focus is excellent - given our vulnerability to cyclones on east coast and the 2004 tsunami experience. But I wonder if we're doing enough joint exercises with other neighbors like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka who face similar challenges?
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Meena S.
While military cooperation is important, I hope we're not neglecting indigenous defense production. The article mentions US equipment but not our own developments. Atmanirbhar Bharat should apply most to defense sector!
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Vikram J.
The Eastern Naval Command needs more attention compared to Western Command. China's String of Pearls strategy makes Bay of Bengal equally important as Arabian Sea. Good to see high-level visits - hope it translates to budget allocations too!

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Tags:
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh Eastern Naval Command Visakhapatnam Exercise Tiger Triumph Indo-US military drills