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India for increased Naval contact with littoral countries of IOR

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Oct 27, IRNA -- India has called for increased Navy-to-Navy contact with the littoral countries of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Addressing the top brass of the Indian Navy in New Delhi, Wednesday, Defense Minister, A K Antony said, such contacts would strengthen professional ties, mutual trust and streamline inter-operability issues.

He said that the complex maritime security environment in our region requires the Navy to maintain a state of perpetual readiness-operationally. Navy must factor in the need to be ready at all times prominently, while planning for the future. 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 added.

The Defense Minister said Navy’s manifold responsibilities in the Indian Ocean Region are crucial as well as sensitive, from the point of view of economic prosperity, safety and security of the nation. He was of the opinion that India’s maritime interests must guide and shape the conduct of naval operations during times of peace and creation of futuristic capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Referring to the piracy as a major area of concern in the Indian Ocean Region, the Minister said Indian Navy’s presence in the piracy-affected areas shows our commitment and resolve to contribute our might in dealing with such threats.

Stressing the need for more contacts with other maritime nations in a calibrated manner, Antony said there is 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 LTTE.

The Minister also said New Delhi is committed to the continued deployment of ships and aircraft for enhanced surveillance off the coast of Maldives and Seychelles to ensure maritime security from piracy. “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” the Minister added.

Stressing the need for enhanced role of the private sector in achieving self-reliance in critical technologies, the Minister said we want to give a greater role to the private sector to encourage healthy competition.

Antony said that the on-going review of Defence Procurement Procedure 2008 would enhance induction of capability, along with self-reliance. The Minister assured the Naval Commanders that wherever required, import options would be considered to meet operational requirements. However, this option must be an exception and not the rule, the Minister added.

Naval Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma also addressed the Commanders.