The Headquarters Eastern Naval Command (HQENC) recently hosted the annual Meteorology and Oceanography Officers’ Conference (METOC), emphasizing the Indian Navy’s dedication to integrating scientific precision into maritime operations. The event took place on 6 November 2025 and served as a crucial platform for discussing the critical role of meteorological and oceanographic insights in modern naval warfare.
Rear Admiral Manoj Jha, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the conference with an enlightening opening address. He stressed the increasing significance of meteorology and oceanography in various aspects of naval operations, such as mission planning, navigation, anti-submarine warfare, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The Admiral pointed out that meteorological insights and oceanographic data are essential for ensuring operational safety, mission success, and strategic foresight across the fleet’s activities.
One of the conference’s notable moments was the introduction of the ‘Best Indian Navy Met Office Trophy’, which aims to recognize excellence in operational forecasting, service delivery, and efficiency among the Navy’s meteorological establishments. INS Shikra was awarded this inaugural trophy for the Academic Year 2024–25, showcasing its exemplary performance in accurate weather prediction and its innovative approaches to data-driven forecasting that significantly supported naval operations.
The conference also served as an important forum for professional dialogue and knowledge sharing among METOC officers from across the Navy. Topics discussed included advancements in meteorological technology, data analytics, and oceanographic modeling—essential elements in enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region.
Throughout the event, the Indian Navy reiterated its commitment to leveraging scientific research, advanced technologies, and analytical data to boost its maritime capabilities, reinforcing its position as a responsible maritime power in the region.
