Ships will be deployed at choke points

The Navy is institutionalising an experimental concept of round-the-clock surveillance of critical choke points in the Indian Ocean. The issue was reviewed on Wednesday at the ongoing biannual Naval Commanders Conference chaired by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.

“The plan involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications and choke points. These ships deployed are ready to meet any eventuality across the spectrum of operations ranging from acts of maritime terrorism and piracy to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. These deployments are aimed to be maintained 24/7 and round the year with ships being sustained and turned around on station,” a Navy source said.

The new mission-based deployment concept was unveiled in the last Naval Commander’s Conference and was ratified for incremental implementation, in the backdrop of increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

As part of this, at least 12-15 major warships are on round-the-clock surveillance of critical choke points in the IOR, the official added.

Of late, China has increased its presence in Indian Ocean in the name of anti-piracy operations.