Conference to formulate naval strategy begins

Mumbai, May 7 (UNI) The naval commanders' conference began here today to deliberate upon major operational issues with regard to defence of nation's maritime interests, coastal security, assets at sea and overall naval strategy.

The two-day conference, which is the highest decision making body of Indian navy and meets annually, will also chalk out operational and acquisition plans and the course corrections required to remain relevant with the times as also to maintain synergy with the other two services, an official release stated.

The conference being held at the Western Naval Command Headquarters was inaugurated by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta. It is being attended by the highest echelons of Navy from the Integrated Headquarters at New Delhi, three Command Headquarters and the two Fleets.

Over the last decade, Maritime Security Environment in Indian Ocean region has become more complex, fluid and significantly more volatile. Along with the nation's economic success and elevation in international stature, the nation's regional responsibilities have also increased. To discharge these, a strong and effective navy is essential.

In the coming years, the Indian Navy would be called upon to play a significantly larger role so as to be a regionally relevant force and be in a position to not only counter any existing and identifiable threats but also to discharge its responsibilities of maintaining, safeguarding and furthering our nation's maritime interests including those related to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, the release added.

To ensure that the navy remains operationally focused force, capable and dealing with the challenging environment of the 21st century, surveillance of the seas around us as also real time exchange of information through network centric operations assumes greater significance today and these are the primary focus areas of this year's conference.

Further, some major platforms in all three dimensions of the navy's operation are scheduled for induction and integration of these platforms and weapon systems into the overall concept of operations assumes significance and the naval commanders would deliberate on these issues as well, the release added.

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