Navy: Closely monitoring Chinese movement in Indian Ocean region

“The expansion of naval base is crucial as the regional powers are operating in the Indian Ocean region. We aim at setting up an important naval base at Chennai by creating the required support infrastructure. 

This in turn will contribute to the economy of the State in the long run,” he affirmed.

Regarding the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, Indian Navy informed that their movement was being “cautiously observed”. “The good part is that we know their existence,” said Bhatnagar.

“Over the years, the Indian Navy has developed its force based on missions. Our capabilities are missionbased and not targeted against any country. Whenever we are given a mission, we will be able to accomplish it,” he stated.

Currently, the naval base accommodates eight ships and fast-interceptor crafts. The long range P8I aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircrafts are based and operated from Naval Air stations in the State.

The navy is in the process of inducting helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to enhance the surveillance and striking capabilities in the future.

“Indian Navy’s efforts towards indigenisation of equipment and emphasis on domestic ship-building capability are in keeping with ‘Make in India’ policy of the government and have promoted domestic industry and Defence capability. All the ships including aircraft carriers, offshore patrol vessels, maller craft and submarines that are due for induction in Indian Navy are ingenuously built,” said Bhatnagar.

On talks with the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard that are likely to be held in May 2019, Bhatnagar said that these are centered around smuggling of contraband goods, counterfeit currency and other illegal activities. The theme for this year is ‘Indian Navy, Mission-deployed and Combat-ready.’