The biannual Naval Commanders Conference of 2012 commenced in New Delhi on 16 Oct 12. This conference is held every May and Oct to discuss issues of operational relevance, identify capability gaps and to review the future plans of the Indian Navy.
While addressing the senior naval commanders, Admiral DK Joshi, Chief of the Naval Staff stressed on the dynamics of current maritime environment and strategic imperatives thereof. He referred to a wide spectrum of challenges confronting the nation including Coastal Security and Piracy.
Admiral Joshi highlighted the constant need for synergy and coordination amongst the various stakeholders viz. Indian Coast Guard, State Marine Police, Customs, Fisheries dept and other diverse agencies for ensuring optimum security of the maritime environment. Drawing attention to the scourge of Piracy, he said that participation by several international Navies, including the Indian Navy, through well coordinated efforts have reduced the piracy incidents.
The current pace of growth of Indian Navy makes it one of the world’s fastest growing Navy. During his address Navy Chief also emphasized the need to groom human resources to meet the demands posed by new induction of modern equipment. Discussions, over the next two days, will focus on a wide range of issues relevant to Navy’s preparedness. They will include induction of new platforms, creation of infrastructure, expansion-cum-modernisation of repair facilities, re-vamping of logistics chains, policy issues pertaining to human resource development and upgradation of hospitals amongst others.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, October 24, 2012; Image: Indian Navy