Indian naval presence to increase at sea: Rajnath

The Indian Navy is working to increase its presence at sea in view of increased threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and along the East African coast, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at an event today.

The minister was addressing an Indian Navy event to mark the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’, where he said that increasing complexities for the armed forces coupled with a tense geopolitical security scenario means that the critical capability of the country needs to be enhanced at the earliest.

Naval civilians play a supporting role in operations including technical assistance, administrative management and logistics support.

He said, “India’s economic prosperity is linked to maritime security. It is, therefore, necessary to protect our territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation and keep sea routes, which are our maritime highways, safe.”

Rajnath Singh reiterated the resolve of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the Navy, terming it as a necessity in today’s times.

The minister said, “India’s economic prosperity is linked to maritime security. It is, therefore, necessary to protect our territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation and keep sea routes, which are our maritime highways, safe.”

He added that while in the recent years, major naval powers have reduced their presence in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy has increased it.

Rajnath Singh -- in a veiled reference to China -- underlined the need to strengthen India’s offensive and defensive responses in view of the turmoil being witnessed in the rules-based international order. “Our forces should be equipped and ready according to the changing times,” said Rajnath.

Recently, an Indian Coast Guard ship -- while returning from a goodwill visit to Japan -- was shadowed by the China Coast Guard while traversing through the South China Sea.