In a recent media briefing ahead of Navy Day, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi addressed the growing presence of Chinese and Pakistani naval ships in the Indian Ocean. He underscored India’s position that the oceans remain open for operations for all nations, including China and Pakistan, as long as such activities do not compromise India’s security.
Admiral Tripathi remarked, “The oceans are open to all. Anybody can operate in the oceans till the time they are not affecting our security. Countries are free to come and operate.” He emphasized the Indian Navy’s robust surveillance capabilities, noting that the country has an established structure in place to monitor maritime activities effectively. “Piracy has been brought down and is under control now,” he added, highlighting the successes of Indian naval operations in promoting maritime security.
During the briefing, he acknowledged the “surprising growth” of the Pakistan Navy, which has set ambitious goals to expand to a 50-ship fleet. Tripathi expressed astonishment at how Pakistan is managing to invest in naval capabilities given its economic situation, commenting, “They have decided to choose weapons over the welfare of their people. So good luck to them.” This remark underscores India’s vigilant stance towards its neighbors and the implications of their military expansions.
Admiral Tripathi also provided updates on India’s naval advancements, revealing that the procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines is nearing completion. He noted that currently, 62 ships and a submarine are under construction as part of ongoing efforts to enhance India’s naval power. Looking ahead, he mentioned that a significant number of vessels are set for induction in the upcoming year, with at least one ship expected to officially join the fleet soon.
The Navy Chief articulated a commitment to integrating advanced technologies within the naval force, stating, “We have redoubled efforts to include niche technologies into the force.” He further confirmed that the procurement of Rafale-M jets, intended for deployment on the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, was approved by the defense ministry last July and the finalization of this deal is anticipated in the coming month.
In conclusion, Admiral Tripathi reassured that the Indian Navy stands prepared to address any maritime threats posed by neighboring countries, underscoring India’s readiness to safeguard its national security interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
