War with potential adversaries can never be ruled out: Indian Navy chief
By Anish Kumar | First Published Sep 21, 2022, 4:45 PM ISTRegarding the security challenges India faces, Admiral Hari Kumar said: "To the West, Pakistan -- despite economic constraints -- has continued its military modernisation, especially its Navy, which is on track to becoming a 50-platform force."
Amidst the ongoing standoff between two Himalayan giants, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar has said that China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence not only along India's land borders but also in the maritime domain by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalize its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
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Speaking at the 49th annual management convention of the All India Management Association in Delhi, the naval chief pointed out that while competition is being played out on a daily basis -- at times testing limits but without escalating into armed action -- a war with potential adversaries can never be ruled out.
Regarding the security challenges India faces, Admiral Hari Kumar said: "To the West, Pakistan -- despite economic constraints -- has continued its military modernisation, especially its Navy, which is on track to becoming a 50-platform force."
"To the West, Pakistan -- despite economic constraints -- has continued its military modernisation, especially its Navy, which is on track to becoming a 50-platform force," he said.
Talking about the Peoples Liberation Army Navy's presence in the Indian Ocean Region, the Navy chief said that China began its Indian Ocean maritime deployment in 2008 using anti-piracy operations 'as the reason', and since then, there has been a continuous presence in the region.
"At any point, we have anything between five-eight Chinese Navy units, be it warships or research vessels and a host of Chinese fishing vessels operating in the region," he said.
He maintained that the Indian Navy keep a watch on them and sees how they are undertaking their activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Stating that China has now built a base in Djibouti and has been involved in the development of various ports in the region, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, and so many other countries, Admiral Hari Kumar added that India is also building its capability. However, it is not based on a nation but rather based upon our requirements to protect, preserve and promote our national interests.
In reply to a query on Russian weapons and military equipment, the Navy chief added they are reliable, and while there have been teething issues with some of the systems; they have been getting good support from Russia.
He also acknowledged that Russia supported India with some technologies 'which we are not able to get from any other sources'.
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