Navy plans to become ‘net provider’ of security in Indian Ocean: Dhowan

The Indian Navy has a ten-year plan to become the ‘net provider of security’ in the Indian Ocean. The programme has been named Maritime Cooperation Plan. By this, the navy has already started providing naval assets to the littoral states. These include off-shore patrol vessels, <g data-gr-id="41">dornier</g> aircrafts and various other naval <g data-gr-id="43">equipments</g>. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Robin <g data-gr-id="42">Dhowan</g> said this at the naval headquarters at the conclusion of the three-day Naval Commanders Conference.

The navy also has developed an Indian Navy Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (INMPP). This has been dovetailed with the Human Resource Strategy Plan and the Indian Maritime Perspective Plan of the service.

A major emphasis has been put on the maintenance and overhaul of the naval vessels possibly in light of the mishaps that afflicted the service. The CNS also announced this year has been declared as the ‘Year of the Sailor.’

Maritime Cooperation Plan, Admiral <g data-gr-id="29">Dhowan</g> talked about also included prioritising tasks like hydrographic studies for the nations that dot the Indian Ocean Region.

In an overall sense, the naval commanders’ conference discussed the state of the navy “including combat and force readiness levels.” They also discussed that the naval vessels are always “operationally available on time” despite their regular maintenance. “The repair structure they (naval vessels) go through brooks no delay,” the CNS said.

Various infrastructure projects of the navy are on schedule including a networked logistics management system. <g data-gr-id="36">Dhowan</g> said, “We are saving money for the nation.”

By declaring the year as that of the sailor, an emphasis has been put on the “quality of life” including their highest level of training.

On the issue of the one rank, one pension (OROP), the CNS said that “We have taken up the issue with the ministry of defence. And we are extremely conscious about the concerns of the ex-servicemen.”