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Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has emphasised that oceans are open for operations for even China and Pakistan, as long as security isn’t compromised.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Photo: ANI)
The oceans are open to all for operations, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Monday, after he was asked about the presence of Chinese and Pakistani ships in the Indian Ocean. The Navy chief also slammed Pakistan’s Navy and said the country has decided to choose weapons over the welfare of its people.
“We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy. They aim to become a 50-ship force. Seeing their economy, it is very surprising how they are building or getting so many ships. They have decided to choose weapons over the welfare of their people. So good luck to them,” the Navy chief said.
Addressing a media briefing ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Tripathi also commented on the activities of Pakistan and China in the Indian Ocean Region.
“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 said.
“We have an established structure to monitor the activities and it’s a great initiative. Piracy has been brought down and is under control now,” the Navy chief said.
“We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels and know what they are doing and where they are,” he added.
#WATCH | Annual Navy Day press conference | Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi says, “We have also kept a close watch on the activities of extra-regional forces operating in the Indian Ocean region including the PLA Navy units- whether it is their warships, their research… pic.twitter.com/3FJxieLOc4— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024
At the briefing, the Navy chief also said that India is set to seal the proposed procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale jets and three additional Scorpene submarines soon.
The Navy chief also said that 62 ships and a submarine are currently under construction within the country as part of efforts to boost its naval power.
A large number of platforms are waiting for induction in the next year and at least one ship will be inducted into the Navy, he said.
“We have redoubled efforts to include niche technologies into the force,” Admiral Tripathi said.
The procurement of Rafale-M (naval variant) and the Scorpene submarines is likely to be finalised next month, he added.
In July last year, the defence ministry approved the purchase of the Rafale-M jets from France, primarily for deployment on board the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
On Pakistan’s efforts to increase its maritime prowess, Admiral Tripathi said the Indian Navy is ready to deal with any possible threat from neighbouring countries.
