Article Posted on : - Oct 29, 2015

A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Navy chief Admiral R K Dhowan has directed his commanders to maintain highest combat readiness of naval platforms given India's geographic location and the prevailing security situation.

He also asked them to ensure diligent monitoring of developments in the maritime domain.

His remarks came as the second edition of this years' bi-annual Naval Commanders' conference ended on Wednesday in the national capital.

Dhowan chaired the conference and addressed the top naval leadership on a host of issues including enhancing operational readiness of the Commands, infrastructure development, human resources management, coastal security, cyber security in the Indian Navy and foreign cooperation initiatives among others, a statement by the Navy said.

Emphasising upon India's geographic location and the prevailing security situation which demands continuous vigil and readiness to respond to any contingencies in our area of interest, Admiral Dhowan urged the Commanders' to maintain highest combat readiness of our platforms and diligent monitoring of developments in the maritime domain, it said.

He complimented all ranks of the Navy in maintaining a high tempo of operations with naval ships deployed at extended ranges from our coasts, spanning from the South China Sea and Sea of Japan in the East to the Persian Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean in the West.

The Naval Commanders discussed the numerous initiatives taken by the Navy to usher in e-governance and measures to further strengthen cyber security in the Navy.

The CNS also lauded the naval staff for speeding up modernisation of the fleet in sync with the 'make in India' initiative of the central government as the Navy currently has 47 ships under construction at indigenous shipyards.

One of the focus areas discussed during the conference was the induction of manpower, aspects pertaining to training and skill development, and welfare of personnel.

During the course of the three-day conference, Dhowan reviewed progress of various infrastructure projects that were in the pipeline, the statement said.

Admiral Dhowan also stressed on the need to adopt sustainable green technologies, re-cycling and waste management to reduce carbon footprint of naval bases, in pursuance of country's energy goals as also to have 'zero carbon footprint'.

Consolidation and strengthening of the rapidly expanding aviation arm of the Navy, infrastructure and manning requirements for new induction aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and enhancement of surveillance in national interest among others were discussed during the conference, it said.

The arrangements for International Fleet Review (IFR), in which navies of several countries are likely to participate to enhance maritime cooperation, scheduled at Visakhapatnam in February, 2016 were also reviewed.