AMN /New Delhi
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Indian Navy has been playing an important role in furthering the national and foreign policy objectives through active cooperation and engagement with not just Indian Ocean Region littorals, but maritime nations across the globe.
Inaugurating the first edition of the four days bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference here, Ms Sitharaman said, India and Indian Navy have emerged as the first port of call and a dependable partner for Indian Ocean Region littoral navies, to address their maritime security needs.
She expressed satisfaction with which the Indian Navy has continued to maintain a high operational tempo through the regular deployment of ships, submarines and aircraft in the Areas Of Responsibility. She expressed confidence that Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness in the Areas of Interests will enable it to respond effectively to the various contingencies, such as Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and anti-piracy.
She expressed happiness that the efforts have already started showing results, with the Indian Navy responding proactively to numerous crisis situations around the Indian Ocean Region in the last few months including the heavy rain and flooding in Sri Lanka and post-Cyclone Mora in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
She said, shipbuilding projects worth over 32 thousand crore rupees have been tendered and are progressing towards contract conclusion.
During the meeting Ms Sitharaman took cognizance of the importance of long-term funding for the sustained growth of the Navy and assured that adequate funds will be provided to mitigate critical shortfalls.
During the four-day conference, top naval commanders will deliberate on aspects concerning the country’s maritime security, analyse mission-based deployments and larger issues of the geo-strategic Indian Ocean. Over the past year, Indian Navy’s is focussing on combat efficiency and material readiness, and upkeep of its fleet of 131 ships and submarines.
The Navy will also review its new mission-based deployment philosophy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. Measures to ensure safety, continued training and checks and balances on crew proficiency on-board its frontline warships will be reviewed during the conference.
The commanders will also discuss the optimal utilisation of the Navy’s share of the defence budget by prioritising capital acquisitions and modernisation plans to bridge critical capability gaps.
