New Delhi: Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said the Navy was ready to tackle the "two complex challenges" of the Covid-19 pandemic and the situation in the country's northern borders.
Addressing the media ahead of Navy Day 2021, Admiral R Hari Kumar said, "The situation on our northern borders and Covid-19 have created two complex challenges and the Indian Navy is ready to tackle both challenges."
"Despite Covid-19, the Navy has maintained combat and mission readiness and resulted in preventing any misadventure in its maritime domain," he said.
Admiral R Hari Kumar took over as the 25th chief of the Indian Navy on Tuesday. He succeeded Admiral Karambir Singh, who retired after 41 years of military service. Kumar was heading the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command before taking over the reins of the Indian Navy.
Admiral R Hari Kumar asserted that the Indian Navy was confident of defending India's maritime interests in the face of a belligerent China. The Chinese navy is seeking to increase its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
"The Chinese navy has been present in Indian Ocean Region since 2008 and they have seven to eight warships here. There is constant surveillance by our aircraft and ships and their activities are kept under close watch," he said.
"We are aware of the development of the Chinese navy building 110 warships in last few years. Our plans will factor in all the activities and deployments in the IOR. I want to assure you that the Indian Navy is confident of defending India's maritime interests," Admiral R Hari Kumar said.
Admiral Kumar also spoke about the warships and submarines being built in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative in their pursuit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of "Atmanirbhar Bharat".
“Of the 39 warships and submarines being built for the Indian Navy, 37 are being built in India under 'Make in India' showing our quest for Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said.
Highlighting the Navy’s efforts towards inclusivity of women in the forces, Admiral Kumar said they had taken measures to provide opportunities and induct women in different capacities.
"We have taken measures to provide additional opportunities to women officers. The first women Provost officer joined in March this year. The Navy is ready to induct women in different capacities," he said.
Talking about military reforms, Admiral Kumar said the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had helped accelerate the decision-making process. "The creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) is the biggest reform in the military since Independence along with the creation of the post of CDS. This enables faster decision-making and fewer layers of bureaucracy."