Indian navy well equipped to meet any threat, says Admiral Sureesh Mehta

Kochi, Aug 4 (ANI): Chief of Indian Naval staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta has said that the navy was prepared to face any threat from the sea.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Mehta said, "Of course we are all well equipped. We have a strong navy, a good coast guard and a fine set of local police. We are well equipped to meet any challenge that arises."

Navy and Coast Guard warships have stepped up patrolling off India's western coastline after "a suspicious ship" was reportedly spotted by some fishermen in the Arabian Sea on July 30.

In the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai by a trawler and rubber dinghies, exposing gaping holes in India's coastal security, offshore surveillance, particularly along the west coast, has been stepped up.

Under the new maritime security plan, Navy is now the "designated authority" responsible for overall maritime security, with both coastal and offshore security under its control. (ANI)