PM Modi salutes personnel on Navy Day

New Delhi, Dec 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the Navy personnel on the occasion of the 43rd Navy Day. "The steadfast dedication & valour of our Navy Personnel is an unparalleled asset for our Nation," Modi tweeted.

In another tweet, the prime minister saluted the Indian Navy personnel and their impregnable spirit & utmost devotion.

Meanwhile, Vishakhapatnam, which serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, was set to see operational displays to commemorate the Indian Navy's successful operation on Karachi Harbour in Pakistan during the India-Pakistan war of 1971. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will be the chief guest at the event scheduled to take place at the Ramakrishna Beach.

The display will feature 20 ships, 23 aircraft and a submarine showcasing their capacity and versatility. Chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral Satish Soni is scheduled to inaugurate the ceremony.

Threats to Navy has increased: Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan

On Wednesday, Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan said there has been an increase in threats from the sea but added that the Indian Navy is prepared to tackle it.

Dhowan said the situation is very very serious and India has taken a note of this. In September, Al-Qaeda militants tried to hijack PNS Zulfiqar, a Pakistani Navy frigate, to target USA's anti-terrorism vessels patrolling in the northwestern Indian Ocean.

Dhowan said terror threat is the real challenge.

The Navy chief also said India is closely monitoring efforts made by China in developing port infrastructure.

Dhowan said human error led to the sinking of submarine named Sindhurakshak in Mumbai in August last year, killing 18 personnel.

Oneindia News