BENGALURU : Indian Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan today said threat from non-state actors entering the Indian seas was a huge challenge but the Navy had already been operating in such an environment to ensure all aspects of coastal security and surveillance.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Admiral R L Pereira Memorial Lecture, organised by Bangalore chapter of the Navy Foundation, which was delivered by Stanford varsity Emeritus,
Professor Arogyaswami Paulraj, here, Admiral Dhowan said incidents
like the vessels allegedly carrying explosives for a possible terror attack on India near the Gujarat Coast recently, will be ably tackled by the Indian Navy and other forces. ‘Despite the recent incident, we are already operating in an environment where we have to ensure that all aspects of coastal security and surveillience.
‘It is being carried out under NC-3I program…the national command and surveillance systems and intelligent systems.
‘India has 7516 km coastline and a huge economic zone of two million sq km.
‘There are nearly 5000 merchant ships operating and over 2.4 lakh fishing boats in the area. The NC-3I is to take care of this situation and ensure safety,’ Admiral Dhowan said. The Admiral said all measures to leverage technology to keep the Indian coast line safe were being taken. Tackling non-state actors was a huge challenge and the Navy was taking appropriate action.
‘Since last few months, we are on high state-of-alert and have deployed Navy units, ships, aircraft and UAVs in the country’s coastal areas,’ he said.
Admiral Dhowan said Indian Ocean region had emerged as the world’s ‘centre of gravity’ in maritime domain.
It was the third largest water body with 2.6 billion population and 66 per cent of oil, 50 per cent of container and 33 per cent of cargo traffic being carried out in the region. ‘Threat perception in Indian Ocean region is wide and varied. There is threat of asymmetric warfare and other maritime threats that could emanate from the region for the country. ‘There are already nearly 120 warships here from 25 Naives. India is fully concerned and is ready to defend its seas,’ he said.
He said in such a scenario in the Indian Ocean and the progress made by Indian economy, its maritime interest is likely to grow exponently.
Protecting the country’s interests rests on the Indian Navy and it was ready to provide full security whether be it during peace or during wartime.
‘Indian Navy will ensure safe and secure seas for the country to help the nation progress,’ he said.
(AGENCIES)
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