Indian navy designated as central authority for maritime security
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Feb 28, IRNA -- Indian Navy has been designated as the central authority for the country's overall maritime security, said Defense Minister A K Antony.
"Navy will be assisted by the Coast Guard, the State marine police and central agencies for the coastal defense of the nation," India's defence minister announced this on Saturday at a press conference shortly after laying the keel of the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier in Kochi in Kerala state.
Observing that the 26/11 attacks have shaken the entire nation and brought out the need for strengthening coastal security, he said the government has approved certain important measures for strengthening maritime and coastal security against threats from the sea.
Antony said that a new specialized force is being set up under the navy for protecting Navel assets on the east and west coast besides island territories. Adding that the force will be called Sagar Prahari Bal and will comprise of 1,000 personnel.
Defense minister, while speaking to reporters, dismissed the statement by Pakistani navy chief and said the Pakistani terrorists used the sea route to carry out the terror attacks in Mumbai.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 373972
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