'INS Vikramaditya' to arrive by 2008 or early '09

Mumbai, May 1: Stating that the delivery of the floating airfield, 'INS Vikramaditya' was as per schedule, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta today said the warship from Russia would arrive in India by the end of 2008 or early 2009.

Talking to reporters after presenting gallantry awards to the winners for their gallant and distinguished services at the Naval Investiture (Award) ceremony here, Admiral Mehta said ''It is as per schedule. The Russian Defence Minister has committed to our Defence Minister.'' ''It may slip by a few months because of the climatic conditions in the country at that time,'' he added.

The Naval chief said while 34 ships are already under different stages of manufacturing at various shipyards, the Navy will be placing order for acquiring 40 more ships in the times ahead.

Responding to a query on the United States invitation to India to jump on its 'Thousand Ship Navy bandwagon', Admiral Mehta said ''This was a thought process, and we do not have any problem with the concept.'' ''We like to build interlinkages with our friendly neighbours, and our objective is 'shaking hands' with them,'' he reiterated.

The 'Thousand Ship Navy' concept, floated by the US, is still in the evolving stages. It basically involves navies of like-minded countries coming together to enhance security on the high seas, or in simple terms a ''cooperative of Navies'' to police the oceans.

Replying to a question on the Indian Navy's expansion plan, Admiral Mehta said expansion was an ongoing process. ''Numbers do not matter to us. What we like is getting little more smarter,'' he said. Stating that it takes years to build Navy, the Naval Chief said he was looking for a ''capable-driven force''.

On the maritime security, he said ''We are not driven by threats.

We need to be vigilant from the asymmetric threats as the country's economic assets could come under scanner at any point of time.'' Referring to the Sixth Pay Commission, Admiral Mehta said the Navy had recently given a presentation to the Commission and made them understand the working conditions and difficulties faced by the personnel.

Earlier, the Naval Chief presented Nao Sena medal and special awards like Vishisth Seva Medal (VSM), Lt V K Jain Memorial Gold Medal and Captain Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal to the winners during the Naval Investiture Ceremony 2007 held at Naval Air Station here.

UNI