and asked the three chiefs of armed forces to keep vigil on the situation” Antony told media on the sideline of Navy conference.
In the conference of Naval Commanders, Antony however said he didn’t want to overreact but “we are taking precautions. We are always taking precautions. We have to be on vigil”. “Recent incidents in our neighbourhood’ have strongly underlined the need to maintain constant vigil” he said.
“The Challenges of the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) and the volatile neighbourhood we live in, make it imperative for us to maintain operational readiness at all times. Recent incidents in our neighbourhood have strongly underlined the need to maintain constant vigil. The Navy needs to take stock of the level of operational preparedness from time to time”, Antony said.
The Defence Minister spoke on a wide range of issues and challenges that faces the Indian Navy. Describing piracy as a continuing cause of major concern, Antony said the menace needs a concerted effort and a collective response from the international community.
While assuring that Indian Navy would continue to work with all Navies operating in the Gulf of Aden, he ruled out India becoming a member of any multilateral groupings unless these are under a UN mandate.
Turning to coastal security, he said the government has made considerable progress in plugging the gaps but a lot more still needs to be done. He said, various agencies need to adopt a far more collaborative and cooperative approach.
He called for drawing up a long term strategic plan to enhance the security of Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep & Minicoy islands. He said, the government has accorded approval for forward naval bases at Tuticorin, Kamarta, Diglipur, Campbell Bay and Paradweep.
Antony said, the government is fully committed for the modernization of the of Navy. He said, 34 ships and submarines are in various stages of construction at different indigenous shipyards. He also said that a large number of contracts have been concluded for acquisition of aircraft, destroyers, fleet tanker, jet trainers, missiles, UAVs, radars etc.
The meeting was attended among others by the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Senior Officers of the Indian Navy.