The Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani visited the Western Naval Command on Thursday to review the Army’s operational preparedness and maritime security initiatives. During the visit, General Subramani held detailed discussions with VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and other senior officers on operational readiness, capability development, and emerging security challenges.
This is General Raja Subramani’s first visit to Western Command, India’s strategic and largest command centre for safeguarding western borders, after taking over as CDS. General Raja Subramani assumed charge as the country's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on May 31.
The Western Command, based near Chandigarh, is one of the Indian Army's primary operational commands, tasked with guarding the western borders. The CDS also visited several formations and units under WNC, gaining first-hand insights into frontline operational capabilities.
Addressing the personnel, General Raja Subramani commended their professionalism, dedication and steadfast commitment to safeguarding India's maritime interests. He underscored the critical role of the Indian Navy in ensuring maritime security, maintaining a high tempo of operational readiness and advancing jointness in support of national security objectives.
His visit to the Western Command assumes significance as such visits are aimed at evaluating combat readiness and integration of the armed forces. General Subramani, after taking over the country’s highest military appointment, has laid strong emphasis on jointness, self-reliance, and innovation in the armed forces.
The CDS has asserted that he would work towards enhancing jointness, integration and synergy in the Defence Forces, focus on accelerated development, induction and integration of indigenous weapons to achieve Aatmanirbharta. He also called for innovation in thought and action and greater collaboration among all stakeholders to drive capability development and modernisation.