Navy asserts global presence, focus on self-reliance: ENC Chief
The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) has maintained an aggressive, ready-to-strike posture across oceans, extending India’s maritime footprint from the East Coast of Africa to the Western Pacific, said Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Cin-C), ENC, at the 79th Independence Day parade held at the Command Parade Ground here on Friday.
“Our ships, aircraft and personnel were deployed for Operation Sindoor on the Western Seaboard and maintained a strong deterrent posture at sea,” he declared. “Over the past year, our front-line units have carried out successful mission-based deployments in all three dimensions. Ships and submarines have maintained constant vigil in our Area of Responsibility, while interacting with foreign navies and taking part in bilateral and multilateral exercises.”
Vice Admiral Pendharkar inspected a 50-man Guard of Honour and took the salute as contingents from the Indian Navy, Defence Security Corps, National Cadet Corps and Sea Cadet Corps marched in precision. The event was attended by Flag Officers, officers, sailors, veterans and families from across naval establishments in Visakhapatnam.
The C-in-C stressed the Navy’s role in advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “Alongside operational evolution, the Navy has been at the forefront of Aatmanirbharta. Today, more than 60 of our warships and submarines are under construction in Indian shipyards, a testament to indigenous design, engineering and innovation,” he said.
Highlighting recent additions to the fleet, he mentioned the induction of INS Nirdeshak (December 2024), INS Arnala (June 2025) and INS Nistar (July 2025), the latter built at Hindustan Shipyard Limited to strengthen submarine rescue capability worldwide. He further announced that INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri would be commissioned in Visakhapatnam on August 26, followed later this year by two anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts.
Looking to the future, he said Visakhapatnam will host major international naval events in early 2026, including the International Fleet Review, MILAN 2026 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. “MILAN 2026 will witness the largest participation of navies from around the world. Its success will require significant effort from all of us, and I am confident of your wholehearted commitment,” he remarked.
Vice Admiral Pendharkar also outlined welfare measures for naval personnel and their families, including new housing, medical, educational and recreational facilities. “Families are the silent strength behind every uniform. Your support, resilience and sacrifice are integral to our readiness and morale,” he said, adding a special tribute to veterans. “We must acknowledge the immense contributions of our veterans. These stalwarts wore the uniform before us and built the foundation upon which today’s Navy stands.”