Antony holds parleys with three service chiefs

Defence Minister A K Antony will review the security situation in the country post Mumbai attacks when he hold talks with the three service chiefs later today and chalk out a detailed action plan to deal with it.

The crucial meeting comes a day after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chalked out plans for enhancing internal security through a variety of measures, including tough laws and establishment of a federal agency, to deal with terror attacks.

In the past few days after the multiple terror strikes in Mumbai, Antony has held deliberations with Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta in the War Room of the Defence Ministry.

Measures to prevent recurrence of such attacks from the sea and strengthening of coastal security are understood to have been discussed at this meetings.

The CCS had yesterday also finalised the additional cost for repair and refit of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov).

Negotiations have been on between India and Russia over the past year following the latter's demand for $2 billion over and above the $1.5 billion that New Delhi paid in 2004 for purchasing the large warship for induction into the navy.

The CCS also approved the ministry's proposal to acquire 80 MI-17 helicopters for Indian Air Force at the earliest. These choppers are used for transporting troops and carry all supplies to the high altitude forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir.