The discussions become important as China's presence in Indian Ocean region increases
Maritime cooperation with friendly countries will be one of the primary agenda of the discussions among top Navy commanders in the wake of China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in a four-day conference starting October 24.
The top Naval brass will lay out a plan for combat preparedness, modernisation, and critical strategic issues, among several other key areas at the bi-annual naval commanders' conference.
"The commanders will also discuss plans for 'enhancing and sustaining Indian Navy's (IN) operational footprint in the IOR, keeping with the PM's vision of 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR). In this regard, initiatives to further maritime cooperation with other navies in the IOR as also the IN's ability to proactively respond to maritime security challenges, including natural calamities in the IOR, will be reviewed," the Indian Navy said in a statement.
Plans for enhancing and sustaining the Navy's operational footprint in the IOR will also be taken up. Increased frequency of Chinese vessels docked in Karachi and "unusual" activites of their naval units including sumbarines in the Indian Ocean has been a matter of concern for India.
Chinese vessels entering the region frequently and their control over ports in Djibouti, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Sitwe in Myanmar, has alarmed India.
"IN's combat readiness would be reviewed with focus on operational effectiveness of combat platforms, logistics and development of shore support infrastructure for sustaining distant operations," the Navy statement said.
The conference will be addressed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and top defence ministry officials are expected to attend its various sessions. Chiefs of Indian Army and Indian Air Force are also likely to address the conference.
Efforts towards 'indigenisation and standardisation' to make the Navy self-reliant and modernise its warfare capability by means of unmanned systems would also be gauged.
"Aspects complementary to combat effectiveness, such as training, human resource management, fleet maintenance and pan-Navy measures for enhancing safety will be reviewed, too," said the Navy spokesperson.
A discussion on issues relating to safety, including on the Navy's Safety Organisation and rescue support during submarine accidents will also take place. The Naval top brass will also review the security of various naval establishments in the backdrop of terrorist threats and the prevailing security scenario.
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