Pune: Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Sunday said technology is changing the speed of thoughts and is “our greatest asset in the future”.
He was speaking at the Passing Out Parade of cadets of the 149th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the historic Khetrapal Parade Ground at Khadakwasla in Pune.
A total of 1250 cadets participated in the parade, of which 329 cadets were from the passing out course. The cadets marched shoulder to shoulder in measured steps and crossed the Antim Pag on the tunes of Auld Lang Syne.
Of these, 216 cadets were conferred Bachelor’s Degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), comprising 72 cadets in Science Stream, 92 cadets in Computer Science Stream, and 52 cadets in Arts Stream. Additionally, 18 cadets from friendly foreign countries were awarded degrees.
A total of 112 BTech stream cadets of the Navy and Air Force received their three-year course completion certificates. They will be awarded BTech degrees after completing one more year of training at their respective pre-commissioning academies, the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
Admiral Tripathi, who was the chief guest at the Passing Out Parade on Sunday (November 30), said he sees the next generation of military leaders disciplined, determined, and ready to safeguard the peace, security, and sovereignty of India and its partner nations.
“Technology is changing the speed of thoughts, technology is our greatest asset in the future,” he said.
“As our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, the path of peace also goes through power, and you embody that power. Today’s parade reaffirms the exemplary standards of this academy and the culmination of three years of rigorous training that have forged you into warriors and capable leaders,” he said.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Sunday said that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the Indian Navy’s constant readiness, with swift deployment, weapon firings, and aggressive manoeuvring after the Pahalgam attack, keeping Pakistan’s fleet within its harbours.
“When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India can play that role, and the Indian Navy’s actions at sea embody this responsibility,” Admiral Tripathi said.
“The Indian Navy is known for its combat readiness, and we always prepare for battle, even if it is far and few in between. But what has changed now? Today, conflicts are happening without notice, heralding a constant readiness paradigm to our posture and preparedness. Operation Sindoor is a classic example in this regard,” Admiral Tripathi said.
“This operation demonstrated the Navy’s constant readiness posture, wherein the swift deployment of our platforms, conduct of multiple weapon firings within 96 hours of the dastardly Pahalgam attack, aggressive manoeuvring, and pressure of the presence of the carrier battle group in the northern Indian Sea ensured that the Pakistan Navy remained close to their coast or within their harbours,” he said.
The state of preparedness displayed by the Indian Navy sent a clear message about the country’s capability to protect its interests as well as deliver an overwhelming force from the sea, if required, he added.
India launched the Operation Sindoor military operation in May this year after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, in which 26 persons were killed.
The Navy chief said that today, even non-state actors and groups are unleashing violence and firepower that were earlier associated only with states.
“The non-traditional threat spectrum now involves weapons, tactics, and intent that mirror state-level conflicts. This necessitates all our units proceeding to sea to be outfitted for combat to the extent feasible while being prepared for other constabulary and marine roles at sea,” he said.
Admiral Tripathi said the Navy continues to operate across the Indo-Pacific, protecting critical sea lanes and responding to incidents ranging from piracy to maritime emergencies without discrimination of crew nationality or vessel flag.
Admiral Tripathi said the Indian Navy’s sustained mission-based deployments have enabled the force to clock nearly 11,000 ship-days at sea last year, reinforcing the country’s position as a credible and dependable maritime power in the region.
“Such tempo is possible only because our man-machine teams, maintenance philosophies and logistic systems have scaled up to meet increasing operational demands. The Navy has maintained a continuous anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, ensuring that one of the world’s busiest maritime corners remains safe and secure, an effort vital not only for global trade but also for India’s own maritime and economic security,” he said.
This enduring mission enabled the Indian Navy to respond decisively across multiple high-risk situations in the last year, including the daring firefighting assistance to M.V. Marlin Luanda, a tanker carrying highly inflammable cargo. This was done by INS Vishakhapatnam, and the timely rescue of nine crew members from the capsized MT Prestige Falcon of Oman by INS Teg, he said.
“These acts of courage have been recognised by the International Maritime Organisation, and letters of commendation have been issued in two consecutive years,” Admiral Tripathi said.
The Navy chief further said the three years build warriors and great leaders.
“This is the second women’s batch, these cadets passing today, they are standing shoulder to shoulder next to the men’s cadets. Focus on your duty, not on the award. My message to all is that an award does not define your capability, your duty defines you,” he added.
The first batch of female cadets graduated from the NDA in May this year.
In 2021, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction.
