India on Tuesday positioned itself as a natural leader of the Indian Ocean region in view of its strategic location and operational capability, even as its navy was asked to be prepared to meet eventualities in view of the complex emerging security matrix in the region.
"India's strategic location in the Indian Ocean and the professional capability of our navy bestows upon us a natural ability to play a leading role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region," Defence Minister A. K. Antony told the conference of Indian Navy commanders here.
"We have a well-established material and training assistance programme with Indian Ocean region countries for their capacity-building and enhancement," he noted.
Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma and other top naval commanders were present at the conference.
Describing the emerging security matrix in the Indian Ocean region as "really complex", with "some political developments" and "worrisome factors", Antony also asked the navy top brass to maintain high levels of preparedness at all times.
"Today, the security situation in our immediate neighbourhood has become really complex. Considering the challenges in the Indian Ocean region, it is essential to maintain high levels of operational preparedness at all times," he said.
"On the one hand, there are some political developments, and on the other hand, a number of other factors are a cause for worry and need to be factored into our preparations, both in the short-term and long-term," he added.
Stressing the importance of security of maritime activity through the sea-lanes in the Indian Ocean for economic prosperity of India and that of the world, the defence minister said free movement of trade and energy supplies and various economic activities such as fishing and extraction of mineral resources is equally crucial for economic security.
On the navy's modernization programme, Antony said the induction of the nuclear powered submarine, INS Chakra, last month had ushered in a new era of submarine operations for India.
"It has placed us in a select group of navies that operate such a platform. We must ensure that INS Chakra is utilised effectively to harness its real potential and also evolve operational concepts for future platforms," he said.
Antony said the navy is on course to acquire potent platforms to add to its blue water capability.
"The induction of INS Vikramaditya in the near future, the potent MiG-29K combat planes as well as P8-I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft would strengthen the navy further. Recently, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for the navy made its successful maiden flight," he said.
Commending the navy's commitment to indigenisation, Antony said, "this is amply borne by the fact that 44 out of 48 ships and submarines, presently on order, are being constructed in India."
The public sector shipyards, he said, must speed up construction of warships and submarines and further modernise the infrastructure and technology of ship-production.
Stressing on self-reliance in critical technologies, Antony said the navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) needed to put in more efforts to meet time lines.
"This requires a synergy and active cooperation between the navy and all other concerned agencies. Such synergy is imperative for achieving self-reliance and ultimately reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly in areas of advanced technology," he said.