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“The complex maritime security environment
in our region requires the navy to maintain a
state of perpetual readiness-operationally. You
must factor in the need to be ready at all times
prominently, while planning for the future,”
Antony said addressing the navy commanders’
conference here.
“At the same time, we need to maintain
and even increase the momentum of our navy-to-navy
contact with the littoral countries of the Indian
Ocean. Such contacts strengthen professional ties,
mutual trust and streamline inter-operability
issues,” he said.
Referring to the pirate attacks as a major area
of concern in the Indian Ocean region, Antony
said the Indian Navy’s presence in the piracy-affected
areas showed our commitment and resolve to contribute
our might in dealing with such threats.
Underlining the need for more contacts with
other maritime nations in a calibrated manner,
Antony said there was a need to sustain the momentum
of cooperation with Sri Lanka to ensure peaceful
fishing on either side of the International Maritime
Boundary Line and to prevent a possible resurgence
of the Tamil Tigers.
“We also need to engage like-minded African
states in the western Indian Ocean region, such
as Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya,
to enhance our strengths and contribute to peace
and stability, not only in the Asia-Pacific region,
but also in the entire Indian Ocean region,”
he added.
He also pointed out that the on-going review
of defence procurement procedure 2008 will enhance
induction of capability, along with self-reliance.
The minister assured naval commanders that “wherever
required, import options would be considered to
meet operational requirements and this option
must be an exception and not the rule”.
Referring to the creation of operational and
administrative infrastructure in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands,
Antony said it should be accorded due priority
in close coordination with all stakeholders.
He said that the government had accorded approval
for forward naval bases at Tuticorin and Paradip.
In the course of the conference, the commanders
deliberated on the availability of operational
assets and progress of new projects and the critical
need to maintain a close watch on submarine projects.
(IANS)
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