Senior Naval Commanders' Conference on INS Vikrant
On 6 March, the Senior Naval Commanders' Conference will begin aboard the newly-built indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in the Arabian Sea off Goa, with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance.
The conference will focus on reviewing the country's maritime security and operational preparedness, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region, where there is increasing China-Pakistan collaboration. Additionally, discussions will center on policy, modernisation plans, and the path ahead. INS Vikrant, which began fighter jet trials on 6 February, will play a critical role in making the carrier fully operational and combat-ready by the end of this year. INS Vikramaditya, which India acquired from Russia ten years ago, is also undergoing advanced sea trials after a significant maintenance cycle, marking the first time, in almost three years, that the country has had an operational aircraft carrier.