Article Posted on : - Sep 07, 2016

PANAJI (PTI): Vice Admiral A R Karve has stressed upon the importance of maritime domain in national security after inaugurating the 29th Naval Higher Command Course (NHCC) at the Naval War College (NWC) at INS Mandovi in Panaji, Goa.

Addressing the course participants and PhD candidates on Tuesday, Karve said that cooperation between friendly navies was essential to tackle emerging maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Admiral emphasised the need for continued higher learning of the theory and practice of war and said that "war is not extinct, however long the peace interlude may be."

The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command reminded the participants that the college provided them with a unique learning experience.

He strongly encouraged them towards 'continued scholarship' with the ultimate aim of finding optimal solutions to problems that confront us in the maritime domain.

Karve released the annual edition of the 'China Compendium' on this occasion. The publication is a collection of essays contributed by students of the 'Chinese Maritime Studies and Research Group' of the Naval War College.

"This event was unique as it included international officers of the First Regional Maritime Security Course (RMSC), which was kicked off three weeks ago. The event also marked the commencement for the second batch of PhD students of the NWC," a naval spokesman said in a release.

He said the duration of this iteration of the NHCC has been increased from 32 to 37 weeks.

"A total of 38 officers of the rank of Captain from the Navy, Colonel from the Army, Group Captain from the Air Force and Commandant from the Coast Guard are participating," the spokesman added.

"In addition, the five international participants of the RMSC have also been co-opted into the programme for the first eight weeks. During the course, participants carry out research on subjects of operational importance to the Navy, as also work towards their dissertation for the award of MPhil Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies," he said.