Article Posted on : - Apr 14, 2009

Navy is the prime defence wing to handle maritime security of India

NEW DELHI (BNS): Naval commanders are meeting at Visakhapatnam for a three-day conference for the first time post the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to deliberate on major operational issues including security of the coastline.

The conference being held at Eastern Naval Command Headquarters in Visakhapatnam was inaugurated by Navy Chief Admiral Suresh Mehta on Monday.

The meeting holds a vital importance as the government has handed over the complete responsibility of the maritime security apparatus to the Navy.

The government had made this move after the Mumbai terror attacks exposed the lack of coordination among security agencies.

During the meeting, the Navy will review the preparedness of its troops and other maritime security agencies to tackle and neutralise threats emanating from the sea.

Major operational issues such as security of maritime interests, coastline, operational planning and review of weapons and platforms towards achievement of operational plans will be discussed during the meet, Navy officials said here, as quoted by agencies.

The senior commanders are likely to discuss the security environment in the Indian Ocean Region, which has seen a dramatic rise in the asymmetric threats from non-state actors.

They will also discuss Navy's role as a regionally relevant force enabling it to counter existing and identifiable threats along with maintaining and safeguarding nation's maritime interests.

The commanders will also focus upon induction of new ships and weapons systems and their integration into the overall concept of operations, officials said.

After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the government named Coast Guard chief as the head of the newly set up Coastal Command.

The government also provided the Navy with a 1,000-men ‘Sagar Prahari Bal’ for securing its installations and create a new north-western region for the Coast Guard in Gujarat.