New Delhi: The Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture 2025 was held on February 14, coinciding with the 20th Foundation Day of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). The annual event honors the visionary leadership and strategic contributions of Vice Admiral KK Nayyar, who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s maritime consciousness and was instrumental in establishing both the National Maritime Foundation and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF).
The event commenced with opening remarks by Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd.), former Chief of the Naval Staff and Chairman of NMF. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, delivered a keynote address, highlighting Vice Admiral Nayyar’s profound impact on India’s maritime strategy. He praised the NMF’s role as India’s premier maritime think tank, driving research, policy advocacy, and strategic discussions that align with India’s maritime security and economic growth aspirations. The CNS also underscored the Indian Navy’s expanding regional engagement and its commitment to ensuring a secure maritime environment.
The highlight of the event was the Vice Admiral KK Nayyar Memorial Lecture, delivered by Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India. His address, titled “Increasing Maritime Consciousness in India: A Strategic Imperative for National Prosperity and Security,” emphasized the critical role of maritime resources, trade routes, and naval strength in shaping India’s economic and strategic future. He underscored the importance of fostering a strong maritime culture, which is essential for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The event was attended by senior serving and retired officers of the Indian Defence Forces, diplomats, academicians, strategic experts, and family members of Vice Admiral KK Nayyar.
The National Maritime Foundation continues to uphold Vice Admiral Nayyar’s legacy by promoting maritime awareness, strategic policymaking, and sustainable development in India’s maritime sector, reinforcing its commitment to national security and economic progress.
