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PUNE: President Ram Nath Kovind has emphasized `greater vigilance’ in the Indo-Pacific region while observing that high quality training of marine engineers is crucial for sustained deployments and presence of the Navy in the country’s areas of interest.

“The geopolitical situation in the world and in the Indo-Pacific in particular demands greater vigilance,” he said and added, “I am aware that the Navy has adopted mission-based deployments in the Indian Ocean region.”

Kovind was speaking at a ceremony to mark the presentation of the coveted President’s Colour to INS Shivaji, a premier naval college of engineering which trains officers from the Navy and the Indian Coast Guards, among others, at Lonavla, about 74km from Pune.

The institute, established in 1945 as HMIS Shivaji, is celebrating year 2019-20 as the Platinum Jubilee year and the President’s Colour marks the highest honour in recognition of its exceptional service, in peace and war.

“The future will also see great diversity in the propulsion systems ranging from conventional to nuclear and electric and hybrid propulsion. Concepts of maintenance will also undergo a paradigm shift with increased requirements on operational availability of platforms,” Kovind said and added, “INS Shivaji will need to impart the requisite skills to all trainees to prepare them to meet future challenges.”

“The training of marine engineers will also need to be tailored to train them to work with evolving technologies, while maintaining competence in the core engineering profession,” he said, observing that technology was leapfrogging to produce autonomous vessels. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed for decision-making and war-fighting. I am confident that INS Shivaji would impart the skill set required in the future to all trainees passing out through its portals,” he added.

The President said, “A nation’s maritime interests are usually also linked to its economy and the well-being of its people. I am told about 90 per cent of our trade, by volume, is handled by sea routes. This enhances the role of the Indian Navy not just in national security but also in economic security, and thus in the wider process of nation building.”

“The Navy is India’s chief instrument of its sea power. It is also the guardian of the nation’s maritime interests, both military and civilian. The nation is proud of the Navy’s commitment in protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and also extending a helping hand in times of civil emergencies,” he said, highlighting Indian Navy’s role in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the affected people of Madagascar following the devastation caused by Cyclone Diane .

