Indian Navy plans to modernise its training institutes

Panaji, May 21 (UNI) In view of the enormous response it has been receiving from many Asian and African countries for training of their cadets in its establishments, the Indian Navy plans to modernise and upgrade all the 27 training institutions in the country under the 15-year plan.

Talking to reporters after reviewing the passing out parade of the 72nd academic and orientation courses at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy at 'INS Mandovi' here today, Vice Admiral Satish Chandra Suresh Bangara, FOC-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, said: ''Many Asian and African countries prefer sending their cadets for training in the Indian naval establishments for its well-developed infrastructure and allied facilities.'' ''As many as 20 countries from South East Asia and neighbouring countries, besides those in Africa, have been trained in our naval institutions. The other countries are negotiating with the External Affairs Ministry for sending their cadets for training in India,'' he added.

As of now as many as 84 officers and 180 sailors have been undergoing training in different streams of the Navy ranging from logistics to M Tech courses. The recent additions include Vietnam and Myanmar, he informed.

Asked whether the Navy is facing dearth of funds for refurbishment of training institutions, he replied, ''We have got adequate funds.'' Admiral Bangara said the new training academy, which is coming up at 'INS Zamorin' near Ezhimala in Kerala would become fully operational by the year 2008. The existing site would be utilised by another naval establishment.

After inspecting a colourful parade in which 83 cadets passed out, he presented the President's gold medal to cadet Shailesh Kumar Dubey, Chief of Naval Staff silver medals to cadet Deepak Kumar and Assistant Commandant Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, bronze medal to cadet Pravin Bhardwaj, besides Director General Coast Guard medal to Asst Commandant Roshan George.

While one of the trainees will join Mauritious police on return, 64 others will join the Indian Navy and 18 Indian Coast Guard. They were administered oath by the academy commandant Captain N Narayana Rao earlier.

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