President asks navy to upgrade crisis response mechanism

Calcutta News.Net
Saturday 3rd January, 2009 (IANS)

President Pratibha Patil Saturday asked the Indian Navy to step up operational cooperation and coordination with other security agencies of the country and upgrade its crisis response mechanism.

The president was addressing navy officers during her visit to the Eastern Naval Command headquarters here.

'The navy, on its part, I am sure, will take measures to enhance coastal vigilance. It should step up operational cooperation and coordination with other security agencies of the country and constantly endeavour to upgrade its crisis response mechanism with appropriate upgradation of infrastructure, equipment and training,' she said.

Stating that the recent attacks in Mumbai, and in other places, had shown the ugly face of the ideology of terrorists that makes them ruthlessly kill innocent people, she said terrorism was acquiring an increasingly dangerous dimension and threatens regional and global security.

'We are resolved to deal with the scourge of terrorism in a resolute manner,' said Patil, who is also the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces.

The president said there were new challenges in transnational crimes, piracy, terrorism, illegal immigration, drug and arms trafficking.

'As significant stakeholders in the international system, we need to manage the constantly changing nature of warfare and strategic shifts to secure our national interests.'

She said the operations by India's naval ships in the Gulf of Aden to neutralise and arrest armed piracy had demonstrated 'our resolve, reach and effectiveness to the entire world'.

The president went on board some warships and visited dockyard facilities.

'The intensive training, operational tempo and commitment levels, I witnessed demonstrates that our navy is geared to fulfil any mission and responsibility,' Patil said.

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