M. SARASWATHI
NEW DELHI, India (NNN-Bernama) -- Indian Navy's top brass have been urged to maintain high levels of preparedness at all times on the backdrop of complex security situation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Defence Minister AK Antony said.
"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," the minister said when addressing the Naval Commanders Conference here Tuesday.
India's strategic location in the Indian Ocean and the professional capability of the Navy bestows upon it a natural ability to play a leading rolem in ensuring peace and stability in the IRO.
The security of maritime activity through the sea lanes in Indian Ocean is of crucial importance for the economic prosperity of India and the world.
"The 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," he added. -- NNN-BERNAMA
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