It would not follow the policy of hot pursuit of Somalian pirates, but would work in coordination with the navies of 20 nations.
The Defence Ministry has put on hold the proposal of the joint venture of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) till a policy on this issue is finalised by the government.
Addressing the meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to his ministry the Indian Defence Minister, AK Antony on Monday said that he had asked the Navy to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the security of our Island territories as well.
He described 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack as “watershed in Defence establishment.”
Antony said the country’s defence policy was based on our own threat perception. He said a sensitive and dangerous neighbourhood has created a complex security environment. Added to this was international trade and energy requirements which necessitate that we have to ensure secure sea lanes of communication (SLOCs).
Giving details of the massive efforts that have been made by the government to beef up coastal security, he said the capital expenditure for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard has been doubled in the past three years following the 26/11 tragic incident.
The Defence Minister did not agree with the suggestion that India should follow a policy of hot pursuit against Somalian pirates. Antony said ‘that’s not our policy’. He said twenty Navies of the world were operating in the Gulf of Aden and India was also cooperating with them. He, however, emphasized that a joint effort under the aegis of the United Nations may yield better results.
He also informed that the ministry had decided to put on hold the joint venture of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) till a policy on JVs was put in place by the Government. Antony said the ministry will study the complaints received from some private shipyards regarding the JV. ‘The issue needs to be fully examined and settled before any forward movement takes place on this front’, he said and added that JVs must compete for contracts and should not be on nomination basis. He said we are treading on a new path and we would like to ensure that transparency is maintained at all levels.
India beefs up coastal security, to work with others for safe seas
ASHOK B SHARMA - 2011-09-26 14:45
New Delhi: India has beefed up its coastal security to prevent any entry of arms and terrorists as had been the case before the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack. Indian Navy will also ensure safe sea lanes of communiation (SLOCs) in the neighbourhood.