New Delhi
During a pre-Navy Day press conference, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar disclosed that the Indian Navy has successfully integrated over 1,000 women Agniveers as part of the transformative Agnipath scheme. Admiral Kumar commended the scheme’s implementation, deeming it a crucial and positive change.
The first batch, graduating in March from INS Chilka, included 272 female trainees. Subsequent batches increased in size, with the third batch, recently inducted, surpassing 1,000 women affiliates in the navy. Emphasizing the navy’s commitment to deploying women across various roles and ranks, Admiral Kumar highlighted the achievements as a testament to inclusivity.
Reflecting on the navy’s accomplishments in 2023, Admiral Kumar noted sustained high operational tempo and readiness of ships, submarines, and aircraft in military, diplomatic, and constabulary roles. Mission-deployed Indian units in the Indian Ocean region remained combat-ready, cohesive, and future-proof, attributed to extensive deployments, sea exercises, and the ship’s first outlook philosophy. Operational readiness exercises covered over 151 units across 21 million square nautical miles, and twin carrier operations featured Vikrant and Vikramaditya.
Admiral Kumar underscored significant events, including the maiden takeoff of LCA Navy and the MiG29K onboard Vikrant in February, marking strides towards ‘Aatma Nirbharta’ in the defence sector. He highlighted the Navy’s role in boosting the Indian shipbuilding industry, acknowledged in the 2022-23 economic survey report. The Chief of Naval Staff emphasized a focus on research and development, referencing the second Swavlamban seminar and positive responses to challenges, resulting in technological development agreements. Admiral Kumar reiterated the Indian Navy’s commitment to self-reliance and technology development, citing budget optimization with a capital budget exceeding Rs 50,000 crore and a 26 percent revenue budget increase. The announcement concluded with the upcoming Navy Day scheduled for December 4 in Maharashtra.
