Sitharaman bats for women enrollment in Indian Navy

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday urged Chief of Indian Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, to push for enrollment of women sailors in the Indian Navy.

Sitharaman, who participated in the bi-annual Naval Commanders' Conference here, was briefed by top naval commanders on various issues.

According to sources, Lanba confirmed that the decision to include women sailors was on the agenda of the conference.

The three-day conference, which aimed at outlining the maritime vision of the government, saw the top brass of the Navy brainstorming on the themes of 'Optimisation' and 'Emerging Technologies'.

Apart from new ideas and technologies, the commanders also deliberated on the operation preparedness, combat readiness of units and optimisation of resources in which manpower plays a pivotal role.

The discussions were also held over 'Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan 2015-30', including induction of aircraft carrier, ships, nuclear-powered submarines, conventional submarines, re-vitalisation of aviation and sub-surface assets at the Naval Commanders Conference.