Naval base to be set up in Konkan coastal region : Admiral R Hari Kumar, CNS

• Programme held at INS Shivaji, Lonavala (Pune)

• Discussions on Pirates and technology development under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Pune – Konkan has a beautiful coastline. A navy base will soon be set up in this area, stated Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) while interacting with media on the sidelines of the event held at INS Shivaji. ‘Navy Day’ was celebrated at Malvan in Sindhudurg District for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present on the occasion. The Navy Chief visited this region twice recently. He commented on issues like piracy and technology indigenously developed under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

The Navy Chief further said –

1.  Since 2008, anti-piracy operations are going on. One ship is continuously deployed for the purpose. So far, we have deployed 106 ships to combat piracy. Indian Navy is aggressively working to stop piracy for the security of the Indian Ocean Region.

2. Pirate attacks have been reported about 2,000 km from the coast of Somalia. At the beginning of this year, there was an incident of hijacking of a vessel; therefore, we have increased deployment to prevent piracy. India is one of the countries that have laws to stop piracy, which helps in combating piracy.

3. There are about ten ships from China, including warships, in the Indian Ocean, but their movements are properly monitored for our coastal security.

4. The Indian Army has been withdrawn from the Maldives. India has cordial relations with the Maldives. Many workers from the Maldives are studying at INS Shivaji and other training institutes in India, but action will be taken as per the Government’s directions.

5. INS Shivaji is the first indigenous warship carrying aircraft and will be launched in a few months. The matter regarding the third aircraft carrier warship is being followed up with the Defence Ministry. The goal is to become completely self-reliant by 2047. Many projects along with industries have been undertaken to develop the technology, which is presently not available with the Navy.