New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, on Thursday emphasized the evolving nature of warfare, driven by technological advancement and non-traditional threats, noting that modern conflict has moved beyond the conventional boundaries of war and peace. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit in New Delhi, he also highlighted the expansion of India’s maritime strategic framework under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership—from the SAGAR initiative to the broader “MAHASAGAR” vision.
“The character of warfare has changed rapidly and continues to do so,” Admiral Tripathi said. “Firstly, the lines between war and peace are increasingly blurred. Secondly, commercial technologies democratize warfare, making them accessible to non-state actors. Finally, we are moving into an era of precision, where highly accurate capabilities in large numbers remain essential.”
He warned that non-traditional threats—such as terrorism—can quickly escalate into broader conflicts. Furthermore, the use of non-contact warfare, as well as operations in the space and cyber domains, represents a new reality where there is “no ceasefire.”
The Naval Chief stressed that this persistent, technology-enabled threat environment means the nation must remain vigilant at all times. “Technological disruption has empowered even non-state actors with capabilities once limited to state militaries. The threat landscape is now continuous, operating outside the traditional frameworks of engagement,” he noted.
Speaking on India’s strategic maritime vision, Admiral Tripathi credited Prime Minister Modi for initially introducing SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—as a key regional maritime initiative. He revealed that this vision has now expanded to a more global approach, dubbed MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth Across Regions.
“PM Modi made a clarion call of ‘SAGAR’—Security and Growth for All in the Region. Building on this legacy, the vision has rightly evolved into ‘MAHASAGAR’, reflecting India’s broader maritime outreach,” Admiral Tripathi said.
SAGAR, a foundational element of India’s regional maritime policy, has aimed to promote security and economic cooperation across the Indian Ocean region. Under the expanded MAHASAGAR framework, India is looking to extend its partnerships beyond the immediate neighborhood, including with African nations and Indo-Pacific allies, in a bid to ensure maritime stability and shared prosperity.
India has been enhancing its maritime capabilities through increased naval exercises, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building programs aimed at securing critical sea lanes and responding to emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
The CII Annual Business Summit, where the Naval Chief delivered his remarks, is a premier forum that not only addresses economic and industrial concerns but also fosters collaboration on broader national priorities. Through its initiatives in sustainability, innovation, skill development, diversity, and corporate social responsibility, CII plays a key role in shaping India’s future.
Admiral Tripathi’s address underlined the strategic importance of maritime dominance and constant preparedness in an era where conflicts are increasingly unconventional, unpredictable, and unrelenting. (ANI)
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