Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi addressed a press conference in New Delhi on Monday. During this, the Navy Chief expressed surprise at the increasing strength of the Pakistani Navy. The Navy Chief said, ‘We are aware of the suddenly increasing strength of the Pakistan Navy, which is now on its way to becoming a 50-ship navy. He has chosen weapons over the welfare of his people. On the growing power of Pakistan, the Navy Chief said that we are fully prepared to deal with any challenge.
62 ships and one submarine under construction
The Navy Chief informed about the preparations of the Indian Navy that currently 62 war ships and one submarine are under construction in the country. Besides, the Navy still needs 31 more powerful warships and six more submarines under Project-75. Along with this, 60 utility helicopter marines are also required. Many ships are ready and at least one ship will be inducted into the Navy next year itself. Admiral Tripathi said that we have increased our efforts manifold to include important and modern technology in the Navy. The government has also approved the construction of two nuclear submarines in the country, which shows the increasing confidence in the weapons being manufactured in the country.
Recently the Navy tested a missile capable of carrying long-range nuclear weapons from INS Arighat. Regarding this test, the Navy Chief said that this test was successful. The trajectory of the missile has been studied by experts and we will get the report soon. A submarine capable of carrying out nuclear attacks will be ready soon and we have informed the government about it. In August, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the second nuclear submarine INS Arighat into the Navy, which is important in terms of our nuclear power.
Navy Chief said this on China’s challenge
On China’s increasing interference in the Indian Ocean, the Navy Chief said, ‘We are keeping an eye on China’s PLA Navy as well as other neighboring navies. We also have information about where their warships and research vessels are at present and what they are doing. On the challenge being faced by China in the Indian Ocean, Admiral Tripathi said, ‘We know that China has the ambition to become a superpower and it is also moving on that path, but our effort is that the increasing power of China will protect our interests in the Indian Ocean. Don’t be affected. The Navy Chief also said that the deal for Rafale fighter planes and three Scorpene submarines for the Navy can be completed next month.
Navy Day is celebrated every year on 4 December.
During the 1971 war, the Indian Navy launched Operation Trident on the night of 4 December 1971. Under this operation, the Indian Navy attacked the Karachi naval base of Pakistan and destroyed it. Many Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in this attack but India was not harmed. At the Senior Naval Officers Conference held in May 1972, it was decided to celebrate 4 December as Indian Navy Day in recognition of the efforts and achievements of the Indian Navy during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.