Rear Admiral Alok Ananda Assesses Strategic Infrastructure at Okha and Porbandar Naval Bases

Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, serving as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff responsible for Policy and Plans, recently conducted a strategic visit to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Okha and Porbandar. Taking place from July 2 to 3, 2025, the visit was designed to evaluate the progress of critical land and infrastructure development projects, highlighting a crucial phase in expanding the Indian Navy’s presence along the Gujarat coastline.

During his visit, Rear Admiral Ananda engaged in thorough discussions with senior officers from the Gujarat and Daman and Diu (GD&D) Area. The meetings centered on expediting essential upgrades to the base's infrastructure, deemed vital for bolstering India’s coastal defenses amid escalating regional security challenges.

The naval assets in Gujarat, including INS Dwarka, hold significant strategic value due to their proximity to the Arabian Sea and the International Maritime Boundary with Pakistan. The establishment of INS Dwarka after the 1965 war and the subsequent division of the Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area commands in 2015 illustrate India’s evolving maritime strategy and the imperative for focused coastal security operations.

This visit aligns with the Indian Navy’s ambitious goal of deploying a 200-ship and 500-aircraft force by the year 2050. As of January 2025, there are 64 vessels under construction, showcasing India’s commitment to modernizing its maritime capabilities. The infrastructure enhancements in Gujarat are also a response to increasing regional tensions, including security concerns following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, which prompted heightened naval exercises and anti-ship missile testing in the Arabian Sea.

The visit by Rear Admiral Ananda highlights the Navy’s proactive approach to maritime readiness and underscores the strategic importance of Gujarat in India’s future naval operations.