New Delhi: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has said that India has a huge maritime interest because 95 per cent of our trade by volume and 68 per cent by value is through the sea, so if we have to ensure that there is calm, then a growing navy is what it is and they have got plans to modernise it in all the domains. In an exclusive conversation with Times Now, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, in view of India successfully conducting multinational exercises in the past few days, said that the Indian Ocean is critical not only for its littorals but for the entire world because the 21st Century will be the century of the Indian Ocean and that is why they could see many extra-regional forces in the region.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that India has successfully held multinational events in the last few days, adding the Navy conducted the largest maritime congregation at Vizag, where more than 70 countries participated. Out of these, four events were held in the last few days, which he called as ‘Mahakumbh’.
He said that these exercises will have both tangible and intangible outcomes, adding “they will enhance interoperability and showcase modern India.”
Mentioning that the people who came will remember the professionalism of the forces, Admiral while quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Trust is the best currency, and trust was displayed here (in these exercises).”
Speaking about navy modernisation in view of China and Pakistan adding technologically advanced weapons and systems, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that the Indian Navy is a growing and highly technical service. “We have a plethora of platforms and a huge maritime interest because you know 95 per cent of our trade by volume and 68 per cent by value is through the seas, and it is not going to come down anytime soon.”
“If we have to ensure that there is calm, peace, and tranquility in the seas around our country because that is essential for the trade to be carried unhindered, which directly affects the people of our country, their well-being, and the growth of our economy, then a growing Navy is what it is. And we have got plans for its modernisation in all domains as I brought out. Of course, technology is changing at the speed of thought.”
The Admiral mentioned that India is only the 6th nation on the planet with the capability to build and operate an aircraft carrier and a nuclear submarine.
Speaking about India’s naval diplomacy, Admiral said that the Indian Navy is the preferred partner by other navies around the globe because it brings in many things on the table: capability, professional competence, and acceptance. “We treat everybody equally irrespective of the size, and that plays an important role in diplomacy.”
Sharing his view on the significance of the Indian Ocean, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that the core job of the navy remains deterrence.
“The Indian Ocean, being the third largest, has the combined population of 2.9 billion as against 1.9 billion of the Pacific and 1.7 billion of the Atlantic. Of the 2.9 billion population, 60 per cent stays within 100 kms from the various shores,” he said.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
