Visakhapatnam, July 11 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underscored the importance of the Indian Navy, stating that recent events have once again demonstrated the need for a capable and responsive navy for any nation.

While addressing the commissioning ceremony of INS Mahendragiri at Visakhapatnam, the Defence Minister said, "Recent events have once again demonstrated how essential a capable and responsive navy is for any nation."

On the Indian Navy's role during the West Asia conflict, Singh said, "After the conflict began in West Asia, the Indian Navy, through Operation Urja Suraksha, safely escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying essential cargo worth over 9,000 crore. This shows that our Navy is not just a fighting force ...