Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), recently embarked on a strategic visit to Forward Operating Bases (FOB) Okha and Porbandar over a two-day period from July 2 to 3, 2025. This visit aimed to evaluate the ongoing progress of vital land and infrastructure development initiatives, marking a crucial advancement in the Indian Navy’s efforts to enhance its presence along the Gujarat coastline.
During his visit, Rear Admiral Ananda conducted extensive discussions with senior officers from the Gujarat and Daman and Diu Area. The agenda was focused on accelerating essential upgrades to base infrastructure, which are deemed imperative for bolstering India’s coastal defenses in light of increasing regional security challenges.
The strategic naval assets situated in Gujarat, notably INS Dwarka, play a critical role due to their advantageous location near the Arabian Sea and the International Maritime Boundary with Pakistan. The establishment of INS Dwarka following the 1965 war, along with the bifurcation of the Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area commands in 2015, illustrates the evolution of India’s maritime strategy and underscores the necessity for enhanced coastal security operations.
This visit aligns with the Indian Navy’s long-term goal of achieving a formidable fleet comprising 200 ships and 500 aircraft by the year 2050. Currently, as of January 2025, 64 vessels are under construction, signifying India’s commitment to modernizing its naval capabilities. The developments in Gujarat are also a strategic response to escalating tensions in the region, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, which resulted in intensified naval drills and anti-ship missile testing in the Arabian Sea.
Rear Admiral Ananda’s visit highlights the Navy’s proactive approach to maritime readiness and emphasizes the crucial role that Gujarat is set to play in shaping India’s naval operations in the future.
