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Addressing the Naval Commanders' Conference
in New Delhi recently, he said the Government
attaches highest priority to Coastal Security.
"Coastal security is a very high priority
for the Government and the nation. The Navy plays
a key role in this with overall responsibility.
The Government is equipping both Navy and Coast
Guard for coastal surveillance and patrol both
in terms of assets and manpower. Proposals towards
this end have been approved. It is now the responsibility
of all of you to ensure that these are put in
place at the earliest and used effectively and
efficiently for coastal security."
The Minister added that the Government is fully
committed to the modernisation of the Navy and
funds will not be allowed to become a constraint
in this direction. However, the onus of utilising
allocated funds, optimally and judiciously, lies
collectively on both the Navy and Defence Finance
together.
He said the Ministry is trying its best to suitably
finetune the procurement process from time to
time to bring in more transparency, efficiency
and accountability. Annual review of the Defence
Procurement Procedure is one such step in the
direction.
The Defence Minister said we need to firmly
secure our maritime frontiers, waterways and offshore
resources on a permanent basis.
There is also the need to create necessary infrastructure
for the security of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
as also Lakshadweep. "Our island territories
form natural bulwarks that extend our strategic
arms to our East and West and also function as
the last outposts for the defence of our mainland.
Considering the importance of the eastern region,
we need to create the necessary infrastructure
in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Similarly, Lakshadweep
islands, which straddle the oil artery of the
world, require our undivided attention".
Referring to the threat posed by piracy, especially
off the coast of Somalia,he said it continues
to be a major concern as piracy affects the security
and economy of the entire region.
He said his discussion with the Sultan and other
top functionaries of Oman during the just concluded
two-day visit has given us 'new hints' which we
must pursue, seriously.
Turning to shipbuilding activities, Mr Antony
said the recent commissioning of the first indigenous
stealth frigate INS Shivalik is a welcome development.
There were 33 ships and submarines in various
stages of construction at our shipyards.
He called for adherence to timelines and quality
standards to meet indigenisation requirements.
"Our efforts to modernise the Navy through
indigenisation will proceed at the desired pace,
only if the shipyards embrace modern ideas and
technology. This will enable the shipyards to
produce the best quality ships in a shorter time-frame
and at competitive costs. The Navy and the shipyards
must interact closely with the other agencies
to meet contractual timelines and adhere to the
best quality standards," Mr Antony said
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