Indian Navy commissioned INS Aravali, a new Naval Base at Gurugram, Haryana. The base enhances information, communication, and maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities of the Navy. It will act as a hub of technology and collaboration, linking naval platforms, stakeholders, and international partners.
Strategic Significance:
- Supports India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
- Reinforces India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Provides administrative & logistical backbone to match the growing scale and sophistication of naval facilities.
INS Aravali – Symbolism & Role:
Name Origin:
- After the Aravali Range, symbolising resilience and steadfastness.
Crest:
- Mountains = Strength & stability of Aravali range.
- Rising Sun = Vigilance, resilience, energy, and dawn of technological advancement.
Motto:
- Sanskrit: “सामुद्रिकसुरक्षायाः सहयोगं”
- English: “Maritime Security through Collaboration”.
Functions:
- Supports command, control & communication operations.
- Enhances Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
- Strengthens operational readiness and collaborative security networks.
Strategic Importance of INS Aravali
- Acts as a nerve centre for communication and MDA.
- Facilitates coordination with:
- Naval units.
- MDA centres.
- Allied international partners.
- Reinforces India’s network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Complements India’s Blue Water Navy vision.
Indian Navy Overview
- Established: 1612 (as East India Company’s Marine); 26 January 1950 (as Indian Navy).
- Current Chief of Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi (since May 2024).
- Headquarters: Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), New Delhi.
- Motto: “शं नो वरुणः” (Sham No Varunah – “May the Lord of the Oceans be Auspicious Unto Us”).
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Refers to effective knowledge of anything related to the maritime domain that could impact security, safety, economy, or environment.
- India’s MDA network includes:
- Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), Gurugram – India’s primary MDA centre.
- Coastal radar chains & White Shipping Agreements with partner nations.
MAHASAGAR Vision
- Full form: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
- India’s strategic initiative to promote collaborative security in the IOR.
- Complements SAGAR Doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region), announced by PM Modi in 2015.
Aravali Range
- Oldest fold mountain system in the world (Precambrian).
- Extends ~ 700 km across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat.
- Rich in biodiversity, historically served as natural defense for Delhi.