Govt makes Navy responsible for maritime security

KOCHI: The Union Government has designated Indian Navy as the authority responsible for overall maritime security, which includes coastal and off-shore security. The Navy will be assisted by the Coast Guard, state maritime police and other central and state agencies.

Announcing the decision, the defence minister A K Antony said here that the new measures have been taken in the backdrop of the Mumbai terror strikes. Government has decided to set up joint operation centres at Mumbai, Visakhapatanam, Kochi and Port Blair. A national command, control, communication and intelligence network for real time maritime domain awareness would also be set up.

Mr A K Antony said that Navy would control all Navy and Coast Guard joint operations to ensure optimal use of assets deployed. The government has also strengthened Navy and Coast Guard by increasing their assets like ships, boats, helicopters, aircrafts as well as manpower.

Navy is getting a new specialized force called Sagar Prahari Bal comprising of 1000 personnel for protecting naval assets and bases on both East and West coasts and Island territories, he said. Along with this, 80 fast interception crafts will also be procured.

The Government is also taking several measures to strengthen the Coast Guard to give a new thrust to strengthening coastal security. The Coast Guard would be designated as the authority responsible for the coastal security in territorial waters, the minister said.