Naval commanders' meet to discuss security, infrastructure

Security scenario in the Indian Ocean Region, infrastructure upgrades with special focus on aviation, and inductions on the lines of Make in India will be in the focus as top naval commanders meet in the national capital from April 21-23.

The conference, being held two months after the International Fleet review (IFR), will see the Navy chief, Admiral R.K. Dhowan, reviewing various aspects involving operations, acquisition of assets, personnel and logistics issues.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will inaugurate the conference and also interact with the naval commanders.

The three-day long conference will be focused on reviewing the combat readiness and operational preparedness of the navy, including coastal security, to address the dynamic security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, an official statement said.

Naval commanders will also review the timelines for capital inductions of the navy in consonance with the "Make in India" initiative which is aligned with the Indian Navy's guiding principles of self-reliance and indigenisation.

The major infrastructure upgrades of the navy with special emphasis on aviation assets will be reviewed, and so will be the roadmap for the future of the force, covering fields like key technology enablers, improving logistics and the numerous initiatives to further strengthen cyber security in the navy.

The Indian Navy has been facing a shortage of helicopters.

Steps taken to improve the service and living conditions of sailors and civilian personnel will also be reviewed.

"The year 2016 has been earmarked as the 'Year of the Civilian Personnel' and accordingly, schemes to improve quality of life and service conditions within the navy will be reviewed during the conference," an official statement said.