Regional cooperation must for maritime security: Navy ex-Chief

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 12

Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has said that a new set of maritime challenges are emerging in the Indo-Pacific region and that there is a need for collaborative measures to deal with the changing situation and lay down a strong security network.

He was speaking at the Military Literature Festival today.

“The Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, two important sub-parts of the Indo-Pacific region, have a plethora of risks, challenges and threats, as well as avenues for collaboration,” Admiral Lanba said, adding India’s approach in the region could be anchored on the concept of SAGAR, implying security and growth for all.

Plethora of risks

The Indian Ocean and South China Sea have a plethora of risks as well as avenues for collaboration. India’s approach in this region can be anchored on the concept of SAGAR, implying security and growth for all. —Admiral Sunil Lanba, Former chief of naval staff

Pointing out that the Indo-Pacific region is characterised by multi-layered and multi-faceted diversity in political, demographic, economic, environmental and strategic arenas, Admiral Lanba said recent political developments in some key countries indicated a significant shift.

“Everything around us suggests that we are in the grip of a global transition which is leading to a state of strategic uncertainty,” he said.

The economic resurgence in the Indo-Pacific region had raised its strategic significance, increasing the competition among regional and extra-regional powers, said Admiral Lanba.

The world’s largest militaries are present in this region.

“We are witnessing a re-balancing of global economy. The largest economies in the future will be led by India and China,” the former Navy Chief said.

The impact of the aggressive relationship between India and China, and China and the US did not augur well for the Indo-Pacific region, which had emerged as a global economic powerhouse, accounting for about 60 per cent of the global GDP and having a major share in sea-borne commercial traffic, he said.

Meanwhile, Gp Capt CS Sandhu, a Vir Chakra recipient who had commanded 110 Helicopter Unit during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and Sqn Ldr PK Vaid, a Vir Chakra recipient who was a pilot in the unit, discussed special heli-borne operations in the eastern sector.

It was for the first time that the special heli-borne operations at night were carried out.

Sqn Ldr Vaid spoke about his experience of dropping troops in the battle zone at night. “My helicopter, with top senior Army commanders on board, came under enemy fire. Though the chopper had 39 bullet holes, no one was killed. The pilot suffered a bullet injury,” he recalled.

He added the use of helicopters was a masterstroke and helped shorten the war because choppers allowed quick movement of troops.

A ‘Bravehearts motorcycle ride’ to commemorate India’s historic victory in the 1971 war was held here today. About 525 riders from more than 20 clubs participated in the event.

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