Indian Navy ready to counter any threat within or beyond IOR, says Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba

Ahead of Navy Day on December 4, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba making a strong statement has said that Indian Navy is well prepared for countering any threats within or beyond the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In an interview to The Indian Express, Lanba said, “The Indian Navy is one of the most formidable maritime military forces in the world today and remains well prepared for countering any threat to national security, within the IOR and beyond.”

Speaking on the increasing presence of Chinese Submarines in the Indian Ocean, Lanba said the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the “pattern and periodicity of extra-regional submarine deployments in the IOR.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), has deployed submarines in the Indian Ocean allegedly for “anti-piracy patrols” but India suspects China’s intention as the dragon has a history of not being honest when it’s comes to border affairs.

Speaking on the issue, Lanba said, “It is rather an odd task to give to a submarine... It is not the most ideal platform to do anti-piracy patrols.”

Indian Navy is considered one of the best maritime military forces in the world. It has completed 50 years of selfless service to the nation and will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year.

Admiral Lanba on Friday, addressing the annual press conference of the Navy ahead of the Navy Day also hinted that women sailors will soon be serving on-board ships.

“As far as serving on-board ships is concerned, we had an issue of availability of facilities on-board. All our new construction ships are being constructed with suitable facilities to embark lady officers on board, we are examining this so that we have the right form, fit, rules and regulation,” he said.

“Sooner or later we will also have lady officers serving on ships,” the Navy Chief said.