Article Posted on : - Nov 17, 2009

SINGAPORE (BNS): Russia is planning to increase its naval presence in the international waters, President Dmitry Medvedev has said.

Paying a visit on Monday to a Russian warship docked at Singapore waters, Medvedev, who is in the island nation to attend the APEC summit, replied in positive to a question whether Russian Navy’s presence in the world oceans would be enhanced further.

“Yes, this is planned,” the President said.

“Our objective at the moment is to invest more considerable funds in the Navy. Decisions have been made, warships will be purchased under a state armaments programme, certain steps will be made next year,” Medvedev said on board the Varyag missile cruiser as reported by RIA Novosti.

Russia, in 2007, had announced that its Navy had resumed and would build up a constant presence throughout the world's oceans.

The country’s warships have joined international efforts in combating Somali pirates. The naval fleet has also participated in joint exercises with India and Venezuela in 2008.

Medvedev said Russia needs a strong navy to be able to send ships to take part in international missions.