Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh wrapped up a comprehensive two-day review of maritime security and operational preparedness at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). The visit, which took place on May 16 and 17, emphasized India’s commitment to bolstering naval capabilities along the eastern seaboard, specifically in the strategically significant Bay of Bengal region.
During the visit, Shri Singh engaged in detailed discussions with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the ENC. The Defence Secretary received an extensive briefing on various strategic initiatives, including ongoing infrastructure advancements and the operational readiness of key assets overseen by the ENC. Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, the Command plays an essential role in safeguarding India’s eastern coastline and asserting naval dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
A high-level meeting was convened, gathering senior naval officers to evaluate the Command’s preparedness for emerging maritime threats. The atmosphere of the conference room was underscored by the presence of the Indian flag and a global map, reflecting the Navy’s extensive operational reach. Officers donned camouflage uniforms as they participated in detailed briefings that focused on combat readiness, situational awareness, and maritime domain monitoring.
In a more informal setting, Shri Singh and Vice Admiral Pendharkar engaged in discussions adorned with maritime décor, including a model naval vessel. This interaction underscored the importance of civil-military collaboration in achieving national security objectives, particularly as India faces escalating naval challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
A significant highlight of the visit was Project Varsha, a major strategic infrastructure initiative. The under-construction INS Varsha naval base in Rambilli, located approximately 50 km south of Visakhapatnam, is projected to host India’s nuclear submarine fleet by 2026. Equipped with underground submarine pens and nuclear engineering support facilities, INS Varsha is designed to counter the increasing naval activities of China in the region, drawing a parallel to China’s Hainan facility.
The Eastern Naval Command is tasked with the protection of the Bay of Bengal, a region of mounting strategic importance owing to its proximity to the Straits of Malacca—a crucial maritime chokepoint responsible for nearly 60% of global trade, according to 2023 UNCTAD data. The region has seen heightened activity from both regional and extra-regional navies, propelled by the burgeoning economies of South and Southeast Asia and initiatives from India and China to establish seaports and Special Economic Zones.
During his interactions, Defence Secretary Singh, a seasoned public policy expert and strategic affairs veteran, commended the ENC for its unwavering commitment to national defense. Vice Admiral Pendharkar, an esteemed naval leader with numerous military honors, reiterated the Command’s dedication to training, operational readiness, and the protection of maritime sovereignty.
The Defence Secretary’s visit forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at modernizing India’s naval forces and expanding maritime infrastructure. Facilities such as INS Baaz in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a crucial outpost for monitoring the Straits of Malacca, fall under the ENC’s purview. With the Eastern Fleet’s rapid growth—rising from 15 major warships in 2006 to 46 by 2012 and continuing to expand—new projects like INS Varsha are vital for maintaining operational efficiency and alleviating port congestion.
As India enhances its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, the Eastern Naval Command stands at the forefront of protecting national interests and adapting to the evolving security landscape. This visit reinforces the government’s strategic intent to ensure a capable, modern, and combat-ready navy equipped to meet the maritime challenges of the 21st century.
