High level of coordination on coastal security, says Navy

The Navy today said it has achieved a 'very high level of coordination' with concerned state and Central agencies on the issue of coastal security.
"We have achieved a very high level of coordination with concerned state and Central agencies on the issue of coastal security," Vice Admiral Surinder Pal Singh Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, told reporters.
The top Navy official was speaking to reporters on board INS Vikramaditya, a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier which entered into service with the Indian Navy in 2013.
"Prevention of a 26/11 type attack is one of the prime focus areas of the Western Naval Command for which we are fully geared up to meet any challenge," he said.

"We use technology, like radars and other sensors. Whatever is there at sea, we monitor it," Adm Cheema said, when asked about measures taken after the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai when the terrorists set off from Karachi and entered Indian waters.
"We are also in close touch with fishermen who are the eyes and ears. They are the first to spot anything," he added.

The Flag Officer also lauded the 'good coordination and understanding' with all agencies including Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs to prevent any threat emanating from the sea.
Speaking of the naval shipbuilding, Adm Cheema said, "As of now, there are 47 warships under various stages of construction."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' thrust is a huge shot in arm. There is 90 per cent indigenisation in ship building," he added.
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Dhowan said that Navy takes into account the Chinese
development of Gwadar port of Pakistan and Beijing's plan to set up a base in Djibouti while making its security and strategic policy.
He said the PLA Navy has been deploying its ships in the Indian Ocean region since 2008 as part of its anti-piracy drive.
"China has maritime interest and they have huge amount of trade and oil passing through this region and it is to protect their interest that they remain deployed here. Indian Navy monitors all activities of the Chinese Navy as indeed we monitor activities of any Navy, or any maritime movement as matter of requirement for an effective and comprehensive maritime domain awareness," he said.

Asked about China's concept of maritime 'Silk Route', Dhowan said India has its own policy to engage effectively with other navies in the region to create a favourable maritime environment around India.
He said India is following the concept of SAGAR - Security and growth for all.
Asked about how India will react to a possible conflict in the South China Sea, Dhowan said it is a hypothetical questions.
He added that Indian monitors South China Sea in peace time like today and would also monitor and take a decision if there is an armed conflict.
Asked about the three foundational agreements - CISMOA, BECA and LSA that US wants India to sign for transfer of higher technology, Dhowan said it is being considered "seriously".

The US has been pushing these three for the last few years but the UPA had refused to sign them.
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"Indian economy is on an upswing and has grown at
7.4 per cent in the last quarter of the current fiscal year. The economy is directly linked to the growth in trade. Majority of India's voluminous trade uses the sea route for import and export.
"The Middle East remains a major source of the country's crude oil imports. Indian Navy ensures that the seaborne trade is safe at all times thereby guaranteeing unhindered growth of our rapidly growing economy and prosperity," the Flag Officer said.

"To further strengthen coastal security and to provide protection to offshore oil installations, a large number of Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs) have been stationed at Mumbai.
"The offshore platforms are very critical to the economy of the country, as a significant percentage of the nation's oil and gas requirements are met from the Offshore Development Area (ODA)," he added.
According to Adm Cheema, Navy is currently gearing up to host the International Fleet Review 2016 at Visakhapatnam, the theme for which is 'United through Oceans'.
"It is scheduled from 04 - 09 Feb 16, with the President's review of the multinational fleets scheduled on 06 Feb 15. Western Naval Command (WNC) will be represented by 12 ships, including both the Aircraft Carriers," Cheema added.

"Work on Phase IIA of Project Seabird at Karwar is on in full swing. Post completion in 2021, it will cater for a large number of ships and submarines. Karwar currently has a full-fledged Naval Ship Repair Yard which will soon evolve into a fully functional Naval Dockyard.
"A number of ships, fast interceptor crafts (FICs) and yard craft are based at Karwar and as time progresses, more ships and submarines are planned to be based there," the Naval officer said.
He further said WNC has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, to the local populace and those in distant countries abroad.