New Delhi, July 12 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian Navy is not just a fighting force but also a key protector of the country's economic interests, citing its key role during the West Asia conflict when it escorted 18 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth over Rs. 9,000 crore under Operation Urja Suraksha.

"Recent events have once again proven how essential a capable and responsive navy is for any nation.From maritime security to economic security, the Indian Navy is the trusted power of the entire Indo-Pacific region," Singh said in Visakhapatnam. The comments came as the navy commissioned its latest stealth frigate, INS Mahendragiri, bolstering its presence in the Indian Ocean Region and the broader Indo-Pa...