Indian Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan on Thursday directed the force to ensure combat readiness of all frontline ships and stressed the need for continuous and timely ingenious repairs of these platforms.
Giving this direction on the final day of three-day Navy Commanders Conference here, Dhowan emphasised that enhancement of combat capabilities of the fleet and efficacy of weapon systems along with readiness of other operational formations is of prime importance. His directive for regular safety audits came in the backdrop of a series of accidents last year and then Navy Chief Admiral D K Joshi owning moral responsibility and resigning in February this year.
The conference also discussed coastal security issues. Dhowan said the Navy must continue to focus on India's coastal security responsibilities through pro-active coordination with other maritime agencies and coastal states. The International Fleet Review (IFR), planned in early 2016, a major event on the anvil for the Indian Navy, was discussed too during the conference.
Dhowan said apart from being a ceremonial and diplomatic naval event, it is an exercise to bring together the navies of the world on a common platform with an aim to have a better understanding of each other and share best operational practices.