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.