There is a clear message to the pirates – we will not tolerate
Talking about pirates, he said that these pirates are a crime and have been going on for centuries. This happened more in 2008 when we deployed the ship. So far 108 ships have been deployed. There was peace from January to October so we thought it was over. Tension has increased again after the war between Israel and Hamas. Ships from other countries were also there but they were busy in other work. We have again deployed our ships there.
What is the preparation of the army against pirates?
We have more than 10 ships deployed there. We have two operations going on simultaneously. One is anti-piracy operation, there are four ships for this. Secondly, there are 8-10 ships for anti-drone operation. Both operations are going on simultaneously. Our ship has rescued those captured by pirates. Now we are giving the message that this will not happen here. We will continue to run our operation. We will not tolerate any disturbance here. And strict action will also be taken.
51 countries are participating in the naval exercise 'Milan-2024'
When the Navy Chief was asked that today 51 countries are with India in Milan 2024. When asked how this journey has been, he said that we had started it with 4 countries. It started from Port Blair. Then we shifted it to Visakhapatnam. This time more than 51 countries are participating. 18 ships and one aircraft are coming. When it was started it was very basic. But now it has increased a lot. There will be table top exercise. There will be discussion with subject matter experts. We are working together with small countries. We are giving the message that we are with you. This share is very good. This is like finding local solutions to local problems.
Milan exercise is all about taking everyone together: Navy Chief
The Navy Chief said that be it Iranian, Pakistani or anyone, we are helping everyone in the sea. This exercise of meeting is for this very reason. Everyone comes here and talks and discussions take place. This increases collaboration. In our IFCIOR, people from our neighboring countries are working with us. So input for such an operation is received. So here information is sent to us. And we start the operation. Last month, information was received from the Sri Lankan Navy Chief that a fishing boat had been captured by pirates. When we got information, we located him and took action. There is cooperation with every country and we have come forward to help everyone.
Navy is fully prepared to deal with pirates
All the capable ships are deployed there. The ships have anti-ship missiles for anti-drone ships. Anti drone missile and system. There is also an anti submarine system. Our most capable cyston is also deployed there. Piracy operations do not require high end ships. Helicopter is used in this.
How much threat is there from China in the Indian Ocean?
China's presence in the Indian Ocean region has continuously increased since 2008. The Navy Chief said that this ocean is different from the land. It is not possible to cross the border by land. But crossing the border in C is different. Any ship can pass. They have freedom of navigation. Everyone can use the ocean. China can also use it. China wants to import and export to many countries. But we keep in mind what he wants. But their deployment has increased since 2008.
We have good relations with Maldives: Navy Chief
Maldives is a sovereign country. Earlier, a Chinese ship was also called to Bangladesh for survey. We have a good relationship with Maldives. Their naval trainees train with us. We have a good relationship with the Navy. Maldives has said that it will send the soldiers back and we are working with the government on this issue.
Aircraft carrier can join the Navy
We are looking at aircraft carriers. Vikrant has become ours, he is good. That's why we have the confidence to take another one. Infrastructure will be required to build a big aircraft carrier. Vikrant has become a good ship. Right now we have the expertise and infrastructure. So we will make something like Vikrant. Whose capacity is big. We have taken this case forward and it is in process. It will take another year to make this aircraft. There is also a plan to get a submarine. 6 submarines will be commissioned this year. We should have 24 submarines. The old one will keep decomposing and the new one will come. Work is also going on about submarine.
Women are also getting opportunity in Navy
The Navy Chief said that we follow All Role All Rank. Be it man or woman, anyone can do anything. There may be a woman chief after 30-40 years. It is very important to have capacity. We don't see whether it is a man or a woman. We have opened all the branches. There are tests as well as training in this.
Changes are taking place rapidly in the Navy
The Navy Chief said that our PM had told about five pledges. We are following them. Remove the colonial mind set and be proud of your heritage. So we removed the colonial term process activity. A lot has been removed. Many officers used to carry batons, we have removed them. What is the need for a stick for leadership? It is a naval flag. We have changed it by taking inspiration from the royal posture of Chhatrapati Shivaji. We have also introduced Indian dress. If Indians don't use Indian dress then who will?
Also read:
