The CDS Navy force multiplier remark came on Tuesday, when Gen NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), called the Indian Navy a strategic force multiplier at the Naval Commanders' Conference in New Delhi.

He commended the Navy's steady work on technology absorption, Aatmanirbharta and the protection of India's energy security, the Ministry of Defence said.

CDS Navy force multiplier remark: technology, data and jointness

Gen Subramani then spoke about how warfare is changing. He called for faster technology transformation, seamless data sharing, and stronger resilience and sustenance, all backed by greater jointness and integration across the Services. Jointness is the term for the Army, Navy and Air Force planning and operating as one.

The Navy's own chief had made a similar point in his opening address, on technology absorption.

Adm Krishna Swaminathan opens the conference

The conference began with an inaugural address by Adm Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff. He reviewed the maritime security environment and the Navy's operational posture, then stressed a high degree of combat readiness, agility and responsiveness. Technology absorption and capability development, he said, must pick up speed to meet present and emerging challenges across the maritime domain.


Gen Dhiraj Seth joins the commanders

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth also interacted with the Naval Commanders and shared his view of the current security environment. The talks focused on Tri-Service synergy, interoperability and integrated responses to new security challenges, according to the Ministry. Closer coordination and a continued exchange of operational lessons among the Services were part of the discussion.

Navy leadership hears both chiefs

The CDS Navy force multiplier message and the Army chief's remarks gave the Navy's leadership a chance to trade views on the changing character of warfare, capability development and the growing role of integrated operations.

Defence Minister addressed the commanders the same day

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the commanders on Tuesday. He described the Navy as a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region and asked for stronger maritime surveillance, analytical capability and operational responsiveness, as set out in a Ministry release. On West Asia, he pointed to the Navy's conduct of Operation Urja Suraksha and its part in safeguarding energy security.

Remaining sessions run until Thursday

The three-day conference continues at Nausena Bhawan. Discussions ahead cover operations, materiel, logistics, human resources, training, force development and the induction of emerging technologies.

Commanders will also review measures to optimise force levels, strengthen combat readiness and speed up capability development.