New Delhi: Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said that China has three warships in the Indian Ocean region. Addressing a press conference on the eve of Navy Day, he said the Navy has a standard operating procedure in case there is any infringement in the Indian Ocean region, in a veiled reference to the Chinese challenge.
“There is a dual challenge from Covid-19 and Chinese attempts to change the Line of Actual Control. It is like a fight on two fronts.The Navy is prepared to face both these challenges,” Admiral Singh said.
On the ongoing tension between China and India, Singh said – We are working with the Army and the Air Force.
•Maritime theater command will also be formed
Navy Chief said- China is trying to change the LAC. There is also a danger of corona in this period. But, we are ready to face both of them. The Navy will be onboard the Scorpene submarine by the end of this month, while delivery of the Romeo Submarine (MH 60) will begin next year.
The Navy Chief also made an important announcement regarding the Maritime Theater Command. According to him, it is being considered for implementation.
•Focus on Made in India
Singh said- In future we are going to build 43 warships and submarines. 41 of these will be made in India only. They also include an aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy deployed four of its women officers on ships in November. Apart from these two women officers are posted in Maldives and Russia.
Admiral Singh said that the C-trials of INS Vikrant will start in the next year i.e. 2021. We have deployed P-8I aircraft at different locations, keeping in view the needs of the Army and the Airforce. Heron surveillance drones have been deployed on the northern border.
•Why Navy day is celebrated on 4th december
There was a war between India and Pakistan in 1971. The Indian Navy had an important role in it. The Navy carried out a trident operation and decimated the port of Karachi. This operation was started on the night of 4th of December and lasted till the next day i.e. 5th of December. The special thing is that there was no loss to the Indian Navy in this dangerous operation. Since then, Naval Day or Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4th of December.