NEW DELHI: India needs to strengthen both its offensive and defensive capabilities and responses in view of the turmoil being witnessed in rules-based international order, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Friday.
In view of India’s strategic location in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its geopolitical situation, Singh also reiterated govt’s resolve to strengthen Navy, stressing the need to protect the country’s territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation, and keep sea routes safe.
“If we assess the entire decade from a defence and security perspective, we can say that it has been a volatile decade. We are witnessing conflicts and wars in different regions across the world. Keeping these things in mind, we need planning, resourcing and budgeting for our security,” he said, addressing an event organised to celebrate ‘Year of Naval Civilians‘ .
“We need to take inputs from all stakeholders on how to face future challenges. Our forces should be equipped and ready according to changing times,” he added.
Referring to the recent triple commissioning of destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri and submarine INS Vaghsheer, which were built by Mazagon Docks, the minister said India’s economic prosperity is linked to maritime security.
“In recent years, major naval powers have reduced their presence in IOR, while Indian Navy has increased it. There is a possibility of increase in threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the sea areas adjacent to East African countries. In view of this, Navy is working towards increasing its presence further,” Singh said.
He also described cyber security as an important aspect of maritime security in today’s times, stating that ignoring cyber-attacks can prove to be detrimental or fatal. He stressed the need to run a special awareness campaign on cyber-security in the armed forces.
