The Indian Navy must be prepared for a "new normal" in the ongoing war on terror, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Speaking at the Naval Investiture Ceremony 2025, held at Nausena Bhawan, Admiral Tripathi emphasized the importance of naval personnel and their dedication, stating that the Indian Navy's true power lies in the spirit, skill, and commitment of its people, rather than its advanced technology.

Admiral Tripathi highlighted India's evolving security landscape, emphasizing the necessity for the Navy to be ready to counter emerging threats. He noted that India's approach to treating any act of terror as an act of war has brought a new dimension to the country's operational outlook. He cautioned that a "notice to motoring" could now be considered a "notice to conflict," highlighting the need for constant readiness. In maritime terms, a notice to motoring refers to advising a ship to prepare to sail for an operation.

The Navy's swift and effective deployment of assets during Operation Sindoor demonstrated its operational readiness and helped deter adversarial actions. Admiral Tripathi stated that the ships, submarines, and aircraft were operationally ready and deployed, projecting strength and preparedness to deter any potential actions from a western adversary in the maritime domain. He added that this rapid and measured response showcased India's strategic reach and maritime dominance, sending a clear message of resolve and compelling the adversary to plead for a ceasefire.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) also referenced India's decision to treat any act of terror as an act of war following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. According to Tripathi, the shifting geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, along with ongoing global conflicts, have significantly increased the frequency, diversity, and complexity of the Navy's tasks.

Admiral Tripathi described the Indian Navy as the fastest-growing arm of India's defense forces, continuously enhancing its operational capabilities by embracing cutting-edge technologies. These include state-of-the-art ships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems, space-based assets, and AI-powered technologies. He emphasized that the Navy's greatest asset is the skill, spirit, and commitment of its trained and dedicated workforce, which transforms capabilities into combat power and platforms into instruments of national resolve.

During the ceremony, Admiral Tripathi conferred the Yudh Seva Medal to Commodore Kartik Srimal for his exceptional professional conduct as the fleet operations officer of the Navy’s Western Fleet during Operation Sankalp. The Naval Investiture Ceremony 2025 marked a significant milestone as it was held in the newly constructed Nausena Bhawan for the first time.