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India attaches highest priority to coastal security: Antony

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, May 20, IRNA -- Indian government attaches highest priority to coastal security, said India’s Defence Minister, A K Antony Thursday in New Delhi.

"Coastal security is a very high priority for the Government and the nation. Navy plays a key role in this with heavy and overall responsibility. Government is equipping both Navy and Coast Guard for coastal surveillance and patrol both in terms of assets and manpower. Proposals towards this end have been approved. It is now the responsibility of all of you to ensure that these are put in place at the earliest and used effectively and efficiently for coastal security", Antony said here addressing the Naval Commanders' Conference.

He said the Government is fully committed to the modernisation of the Navy and funds will not be allowed to become a constraint in this direction. However, the onus of utilising allocated funds, optimally and judiciously, lies collectively on both the Navy and Defence Finance together. He said the Ministry is trying its best to suitably fine tune the procurement process from time to time to bring in more transparency, efficiency and accountability. Annual review of the Defence Procurement Procedure is one such step in the direction.

The Defence Minister said we need to firmly secure our maritime frontiers, waterways and offshore resources on a permanent basis. He said there is a need to create necessary infrastructure for the security of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as also Lakshadweep.

"Our island territories form natural bulwarks that extend our strategic arms to our East and West and also function as the last outposts for the defence of our mainland. Considering the importance of the eastern region, we need to create the necessary infrastructure in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Similarly, Lakshadweep islands, which straddle the oil artery of the world, require our undivided attention".

Referring to the threat posed by piracy, especially off the coast of Somalia, Shri Antony said it continues to be a major concern as piracy affects the security and economy of the entire region. He said his discussion with the Sultan and other top functionaries of Oman during the just concluded two-day visit has given us 'new hints' which we must pursue, seriously.

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End News / IRNA / News Code 1127532