Will aim to be among top 3 naval powers in 10 years: Rajnath

Karwar (Karnataka), June 24

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the naval base being developed here under “Project Seabird” should be Asia’s biggest, and he would try to get budget allocation enhanced for it, if required.

He also said India should aim to be among one of the top three naval powers in the world in the next 10-12 years.

“I had a curiosity before visiting Project Seabird to see and understand it…I’m happy seeing Karwar closely and can say that my confidence level has increased towards this naval base,” Singh said.

Addressing the Indian Navy officers and sailors, he said, with the completion of the project, not only India’s defence preparedness will be strengthened, but also the country’s trade, economy and the humanitarian assistance that it provides would also get more strength.

“It is said this will become India’s largest naval base, but I have said not only India’s, our wish is that this should become Asia’s biggest naval base,” he added. — PTI