Navy shortfalls will be tackled soon: Arun Jaitley

New Delhi: Assuring Navy commanders that the government will increase resources to make good the shortfalls soon, defence minister Arun Jaitley said that due impetus, through appropriate defence procurement policies (such as strategic partnership model which would be finalised soon), is being given to address critical capability shortfalls and induct multi-role helicopters (MRH), conventional submarines and mine counter measure vessels (MCMVs).

Urging the commanders to be prepared at all times as “preparedness is the best deterrent”, Mr Jaitley spoke on the prevailing and emerging security situation in the subcontinent as also the expanding presence of the extra regional powers in the Indian Ocean Region. He also referred to the situation on the western border and its linkage to the internal security.

The minister was speaking at the four-day long Naval Commanders’ Conference that began on Tuesday morning in the national capital. Besides Mr Jaitley and top Navy officials, junior defence minister Dr Subhash Bhamre, defence secretary and other senior defence ministry officials also attended the first day of the meet.

Complimenting the Indian Navy for its professionalism and deep commitment towards protecting the maritime interests of the country, including the huge maritime boundary as also meeting a large number of international obligations, in line with the country’s defence diplomacy requirements, Mr Jaitley urged the commanders to focus on furtherance of domestic expertise.