Navy Chief calls for expansion of operational footprint in Indian Ocean

Indian Navy Admiral Sunil Lanba on Friday urged the naval commanders to expand the Navy's operational footprint so as to be a stabilising force in the Indian Ocean Region and emphasised the need for continued efforts towards modernization and indigenization of weapons.

His comments can be seen in reference to China's efforts to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Admiral Lanba, who was speaking on the concluding day of the four-day long Naval Commanders' Conference, asked top Navy commanders to remain combat ready to effectively deal with all possible security challenges facing the country in the maritime domain.

The Conference was also attended by Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar.

"The Foreign Secretary also interacted with the Commanders on the geo-political developments with key focus on the Indian Ocean Region and outlined key imperatives pertaining to our foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives," the Navy said in a statement.

Admiral Lanba also exhorted the Commanders to give focussed attention to address all challenges with the singular aim to be combat ready at all times.

"He emphasised the importance of quality maintenance and efficient Operational Logistics towards ensuring combat effectiveness," the statement added.

The commanders also interacted with Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat and IAF Chief B. S. Dhanoa who shared their views on the current security situation and the way forward for enhancing tri-services synergy and jointmanship.