New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, called on Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.

During the meeting, the two informally touched upon issues including governance, defence and diplomacy, said an official of the Ministry of Defence.

Admiral Swaminathan presented mementoes, including a ship model, to the Vice President, said the official.

He also presented Radhakrishnan a Navy ceremonial memento featuring the crest of the Chief of the Naval Staff. This specific ceremonial memento is often presented by the highest-ranking officer of the Indian Navy.

Earlier on June 10, the new Navy Chief called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During his early interactions after assuming office, Admiral Swaminathan has often reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the highest level of operational readiness and combat effectiveness for protecting the nation’s security and economic interests.

He also emphasised the importance of ‘JAI’ – Jointness, Atmanirbharata (self-reliance), and Indigenisation.

Admiral Swaminathan assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff on May 31, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who superannuated after 41 years of distinguished service.

Addressing the media after assuming the charge as Indian Navy Chief, Admiral Swaminathan said, “I assume command with a deep sense of humility, responsibility, pride, and gratitude. Being selected by the top leadership of the country for this job has been the highest honour and privilege of my life, and I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity to serve the Indian Navy and the nation in this capacity.”

He stated that the Indian Navy stands vigilant to protect national interests and is very actively deployed in a regional security environment that “continues to remain challenging, complex, unpredictable, and uncertain”.

“It shall be my highest priority to ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the highest level of operational readiness and combat effectiveness so that it can protect the nation’s security and economic interests wherever they can be,” Admiral Swaminathan said.

–IANS

rch/uk