Given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region and with China making forays there, the Indian Navy will take stock of its operational preparedness to meet the challenges during the four-day Commanders’ Conference starting here Monday.
The top echelon will also review the pace of modernisation with nearly 40 ships and submarines now under various stages of construction in Indian shipyards.
With more than 70 per cent of export and import of the country taking place through the crucial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean region, the Navy’s charter is to secure them at all times through long-range patrolling.
Of late, China has also started flexing its muscles there by sending out sea patrols besides rapidly its naval armada including aircraft carriers and submarines. The conference will also review its preparedness to tackle the emerging challenges and take remedial steps to enhance its presence in the strategically critical Indian Ocean region.
The conclave will also review the bilateral naval relations with all the littoral countries located on the rim of the Indian Ocean as the Indian Navy regularly patrol exclusive economic zones(EEZ) of Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles in co-ordination with the navies of these countries. Moreover, the Indian Navy has supplied radars, fast patrol boats and small maritime reconnaissance aircraft to these countries as a goodwill gesture to bolster relations.
Incidentally, the Indian Navy took the lead eight years back by forming Indian Ocean Naval Symposium(IONS)comprising nearly 40 countries including all the countries in the Indian Ocean region. The symposium is held annually to review issues like terrorism, piracy and drills to be followed during natural disasters I the region. The Commanders’ meet will discuss the progress made in strengthening ties with IONS nations, officials said here on Sunday.
Designated as the lead agency for providing coastal security for the 7,500 km long coastline in the wake of 26\\11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Commanders will critically examine all aspects of security and co-ordination with other stakeholders including Coast Guard, State Governments, Customs, department of fisheries and others, they said.
On the issue of modernisation and inductions of new warships and planes, at least 40 ships and submarines including Scorpene are under different stages of construction. The first Scorpene is expected to be inducted into the Navy in two years time followed by five more. The first indigenously-designed and manufactured nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant is also scheduled to go for critical sea trials soon and the conclave is expected to review its delivery time-table.
The Government, three months back, cleared a `50,000 crore proposal for six submarines to be manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ policy. A committee headed by a senior navy officer was set up to study the capabilities of eight public and private sector shipyards to build highly complex submarines. The Government proposes to give the contract to the suitable shipyard which will be allowed to have joint venture with foreign submarine manufacturer. The progress report of this venture will also come up for discussion in the conference, officials said.
Another significant aspect to be covered is consolidation and strengthening of the rapidly expanding aviation arm of the Navy. Deliberations will be held on infrastructure requirements for new induction aircraft, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and enhancement of surveillance.
Another critical area would be the strengthening of Maritime Operation Centres for collation and analysis of vast swaths of information from a multiple sources to enable alacrity and effectiveness of operations in all four dimensions.