Indian Navy is strong enough: Admiral Verma

Admiral Nirmal Verma, chief of staff of the Indian Navy, has rubbished claims that the force is incapable of waging war with countries like China.

The admiral said there was no truth in the claim that the navy was not battle-ready. "We are working continuously towards the modernisation and empowerment of our forces and the development of the nuclear submarine Arihant is the latest example,” he said.

Adm Verma added that the navy and the coast guard were working together to prepare a list of the vessels required by them. The Union government, he said, was very serious about strengthening both wings. For this reason, a nuclear submarine had been acquired on lease from Russia to thwart terror attacks and other threats.

Admiral Verma said, “The safety of the Indian coastline is a priority of the Indian government and it is helping us in all manners. The defence ministry is also providing all the support needed to acquire vessels and other equipment.”

Correction, August 13, 2012: The report has been re-edited to correct the admiral's family name from Varma to Verma and to delete a quote wrongly attributed to him.