New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attended a Barakhana organised by the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on October 05, 2026 and interacted with Indian Navy personnel and their families. He commended the naval personnel for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and acknowledged the contribution and sacrifices of their families, whose support enables them to discharge their duties with dedication and commitment.
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Addressing the gathering, Shri Rajnath Singh said the Barakhana provided an opportunity to interact with the naval fraternity and reaffirmed the Government’s appreciation of the dedicated service rendered by the personnel. He conveyed his continued support to the personnel and their families and recognised their commitment and contribution towards national security.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the Indian Navy’s emergence as a powerful maritime force and its proven ability to respond decisively to challenges confronting the nation. He said the Navy’s capabilities are recognised across the Indo-Pacific and commended its personnel for remaining steadfast in all weather and operational conditions while ensuring the security of India’s maritime boundaries and keeping the Tricolour flying high. Recalling the Navy’s glorious record of valour, he referred to its decisive role during the 1971 War, particularly Operation Trident, when Indian naval forces struck Karachi harbour. He said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s capability not only to safeguard India’s maritime frontiers but also to project power and undertake offensive operations against the adversary when required. He paid tribute to the personnel whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.
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Emphasising India’s transformation as a maritime power, Shri Rajnath Singh said the Indian Navy has kept pace with the changing security environment of the 21st century, with the country developing and inducting advanced and indigenous platforms, including indigenous aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, stealth frigates and Scorpène-class submarines. He stressed that the strength of the Navy extends beyond ships, submarines and advanced technology and rests fundamentally on the professionalism, patriotism, courage and commitment of its personnel. He said India’s endeavour is to ensure that its waters reflect the nation’s maritime might, its warships embody Indian technology and the Navy’s operations reflect the country’s growing confidence and self-reliance.
Calling for a broader maritime vision, the Raksha Mantri said India must move forward with the philosophy of ‘advancing from the seas towards prosperity and power’, with the oceans viewed not merely as maritime boundaries requiring protection but also as an avenue for economic development, strategic influence and national prosperity.
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Describing naval personnel as heroes and an inspiration to the youth, Shri Rajnath Singh said that they represent India’s future, India’s strength and India’s pride. He expressed confidence that their continued dedication and commitment would contribute significantly to India’s emergence as a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant nation. He also underlined the important role played by the families of Defence Forces personnel, noting that while naval personnel remain deployed at sea in the service of the nation, their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the support and strength required for them to discharge their duties effectively. He described the service of the personnel and the sacrifices of their families as a valuable national asset.
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Highlighting the informal and familial spirit of the Barakhana, Shri Rajnath Singh said that such occasions provide an opportunity to strengthen the bond between Defence Forces personnel, their families and the leadership. He observed that food is not merely a means of satisfying hunger but also a simple and profound expression of affection and togetherness, as people traditionally invite those with whom they share a special bond to their homes for a meal. He said the Barakhana similarly symbolised the deep relationship between the Defence Forces and the nation, with everyone coming together as part of one larger defence family.
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The Raksha Mantri emphasised that the occasion was a reflection of the fraternity, camaraderie and sense of belonging that binds Defence Forces personnel, their families and the leadership. He highlighted the important role of families, noting that while naval personnel remain deployed at sea in the service of the nation, their families shoulder responsibilities at home and provide the strength and support that enable them to discharge their duties effectively. He said that the service of the personnel and the sacrifices of their families together constitute a valuable national asset.
