With growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean as China is strengthening its maritime capabilities in this region, Navy chief Admiral Sunil lanba on Friday emphasised the need for continued efforts towards expanding the Indian Navy’s operational footprint so as to be a stabilising force in this crucial ocean sector.
Chairing the four-day conference of Navy commanders here which ended on Friday, lanba stressed the need for modernisation, indigenisation so as to bolster the Navy’s capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. Indian Navy plays a key role in this region as all the crucial sea lanes enabling the country’s trade pass through it and the Service is shoulder the responsibility of securing these lines of communication.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar interacted with the top commanders on the geo-political developments with focus on the Indian Ocean region and outlined key imperatives pertaining to India’s foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives. Chiefs of Army and IAF also shared their views on the current security situation with the Navy top brass, officials said here. The conference also reviewed security measures and mechanisms for coastal defence, infrastructure, force development and logistics support management.