Seven bodies had been recovered till August 20, 2013. Remains of one more body were recovered on August 21, 2013 which have been sent to INHS Asvini for post-mortem and DNA profiling. Death certificates of earlier found seven bodies indicate probable cause as extensive burns. The seven bodies are being retained in J J Hospital till the completion of DNA profiling. Blood samples of relatives of all 18 casualties have been collected. Family support is being accorded high priority with periodic updates and proactive interaction as well as complete attention by a dedicated cell headed by a Rear Admiral. Continuous contact with next of kin of all 18 affected personnel is being maintained.
External hull survey indicates that approximately half of the submarine is embedded in silt. Survey action by salvage firms is in progress. They are: M/s Resolve Marine Group, USA; M/s Titan/GOL Salvage Services, Singapore; M/s Smit Singapore Pvt. Ltd, Singapore; M/s Ocean Centre Diving with M/s Switzer Marine, USA; M/s Arihant Ship Breakers Pvt Ltd, New Zealand; M/s Graft Tech Marine and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., India; and Duke Offshore Ltd, India. Once the salvage operation is over, then comes the issue of involving Russian experts for future works. The first priority is the salvage operation. That is still going on.
During undersea investigation by naval divers, any and all material found is being logged and submitted for forensic examination. Metallic objects and partially burnt yellow colour material found near the jetty are being analysed by Naval Armament Inspectorate to ascertain its composition. A team comprising Chief General Manager (Naval Armament Depot), Controller of Naval Armament Inspection and Commanding Officer of Missile Base INS Tunir have been asked to conduct a detailed study to assess the state of explosives onboard and quantify risks associated with salvage operations, because there is a fear of further explosion. We are trying to curb that also. In this process we are involving the state government of Maharashtra as well.
The government of Maharashtra, through the Chief Secretary, has been briefed about the ongoing actions and regular briefing of the efforts undertaken has been institutionalised with all stakeholders. That means, the Navy is taking all steps to salvage the submarine at the earliest and also to find out what was the exact reason for this explosion. Nothing is ruled out. After that, we will study how best we can salvage, at least partially, this submarine. ...(Interruptions)... Let me complete.
As honourable Members pointed out, the submarine went through a thorough refitting more than two years back, costing us a large amount. But, when it returned, it was almost in a modern condition. But, this unfortunate incident took place. In our system, there is no system of insuring the warships and submarines. We are not insuring them just like other commercial things.
This incident casts a shadow on the capability of the Navy to safeguard our interest in the vast coastline, maritime area, maritime security, especially in the emerging security scenario in the Indian Ocean region and the Asiatic region.
Actually, in the last few years, among the three Services, the Navy and the Air Force, were continuously procuring many of the most modern platforms and producing indigenously, in India also. You know the launching of our own indigenously-built aircraft carrier, Arihant. Every year, hereafter, the Navy will get five warships produced in Indian Shipyard. So, that way, every year, the Navy is adding new warships and platforms to its strength. And gradually, the Indian Navy is becoming the blue water Navy.
Actually, there is a cause of concern about the submarines. The government is also taking serious care of that. There is a well structured submarine construction programme. In phase one, Project-75, six submarines are under construction with Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai. This is being monitored very closely.
Proposal for construction of another six submarines (Project-75(I)) is in the advanced stage of sanction. After all the examination we have already prepared a CSE note for an additional six submarines. So, the total submarines are 12. If required the government will go in for an upgradation and life extension of the existing submarines in order to ensure that the required force levels for submarine fleet are maintained till new inductions take place. Above all, threat perceptions and required force levels are dynamic in nature. So, if needed, in consultation with the Indian Navy, the government will examine all other options to strengthen the capability of the Navy. For strengthening the capability of the Navy, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard and the government will give maximum support.
There was a time when we used to surrender a lot of money from the Defence Budget. In recent years we have not surrendered a single pie. As the honourable Members know, the country is passing through a difficult economic situation. So, we are not able to get the expected amount for the Defence Budget. We are not getting enough money according to our demands. ..(Interruptions)... It is an internal adjustment between the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. We are spending the entire allotted budget.
At the same time, many proposals are in the pipeline. As the proposals materialise, there is no money. That is the problem. Now, in the armed forces we are realising the requirements of the Forces. You take into account the allotted money. For the budgeted amount, you have some priorities. The procurement should be on a priority basis. ..(Interruptions)... . Actually, the Navy's importance is growing because oceans are becoming lifelines of the country.
So, we have to strengthen the Navy. At the same time, we can't ignore our Army and Air Force. To some extent, we can't ignore the Coast Guard. Everything is in a kitty. If you want to give more platforms immediately, you must get more money. At the moment, because of the present economic situation, that kind of money is not coming. So, whatever budget is being given to the Armed Forces or to the Defence Ministry, we are not surrendering a single paisa. We will not do that. But, at the same time, we will continue to make efforts to get more money.
Edited excerpt from Defence Minister AK Antony's statement on the sinking of INS Sindhurakshak, Rajya Sabha, August 22, 2013
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