Responsibilities on Indian Navy increased after 26/11: Verma

Naval Chief Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma today said that responsibilities of the Indian Navy has increased post 26/11 terror attacks and suggested to bring all coastal vigilance agencies "under a single security magnet".

Addressing a ceremonial parade at the Indian Navy's helicopter base INS Shikra, Verma said, "After last year's 26/11 incident, lots of developments took place and at the same time the responsibilities in terms of coastal security have increased. We should bring all agencies involved in the coastal vigilance like Marine Police and Customs under one security magnet and ensure effective co-ordination."

On his first visit to Mumbai after assuming office as the Navy Chief, Verma said, "Western Naval Command always had greater resposibilies ever since Navy's inception and it met all responsibilties."

"An exercise for Navy personnel was conducted in Western Naval Command recently and we have learnt several lessons in the exercise. More exercises should be conducted to enable us to keep pace with security challenges," he said.

He expressed optimism that if big responsibilties are given, the Navy will surely meet them.

"To strenghthen the Navy, more aircraft will be procured. With more equipment, we will find ourselves confident in facing most difficult of situation we may face at sea route," he said.