Newly-appointed Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Friday acknowledged that the situation along the northern border with China has increased complexities of the security scenario.
Speaking during the Navy Day 2021 press briefing, Admiral Hari Kumar, however, sought to assure the nation that the Indian Navy stands prepared to deal with any security challenge.
“The situation on our northern borders and COVID-19 have created two complex challenges and the Indian Navy is ready to tackle both the challenges,” the Navy chief stated.
Admiral Hari Kumar highlighted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navy has maintained combat and mission readiness. He further stressed that this readiness has ensured that there has been no misadventure in its maritime domain.
The Navy chief also highlighted the fact that the force is relying on indigenous technology and production to strengthen its fleet.
“Of the 39 warships and submarines being built for the Indian Navy, 37 are being built in India under ‘Make in India’ showing our quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Admiral Kumar said.
‘We have a 10-year road map with a plan to have indigenous unmanned airborne, underwater and autonomous systems,” he added.
‘Aware of Chinese development’
The Navy chief acknowledged China’s rapid pace of modernisation but added that his force is confident of defending India’s maritime interests.
“We’re aware of the development of the Chinese Navy building 110 warships in the last few years. Our plans will factor in all the activities and deployments in the IOR (Indian Ocean Region). I want to assure you that the Indian Navy is confident of defending India’s maritime interests,” the Admiral said.
“The Chinese Navy has been present in Indian Ocean Region since 2008 and they have seven to eight warships here. There is constant surveillance by our aircraft and ships and their activities are kept under close watch,” he added.
He further described the creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) as the biggest reform in the military since Independence, along with the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff.
“This enables faster decision-making and fewer layers of bureaucracy,’’ stated the Navy chief.
On the issue of induction of women officers in the force, the Navy chief stated that they have taken several measures to provide additional opportunities to women officers.
“The first women Provost officer joined in March this year. Navy is ready to induct women in different capacities,” he stated, adding that “28 women officers are already deployed on warships including major platforms like the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya”.
Admiral Kumar also commented on the arrests made in the Navy information leak case. He stated that a CBI inquiry is underway in the information leak case and an inquiry by the Navy is also ongoing. It is premature to comment on these matters, he added.
Further, the Navy chief pointed out that the facilities at Navy hospitals have been enhanced to meet the challenges of COVID-19.
“We have not relaxed SOPs for our personnel to ensure that operational capability is not affected. We’ll continue to do that till the time the Omicron threat is not ruled out,” the Navy chief said.
