Indian Navy should be prepared to face threats in the Indian Ocean, says Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain

New Delhi: – Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, appealed that the Indian Navy should be prepared for the threats in the Indian Ocean. The statement of Vice Admiral Jain becomes important against the background of the aggressive Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean region and the Galwan valley conflict. While speaking at a function, organised to celebrate the 74th Indian Independence Day, Vice Admiral Jain praised the performance of the Indian Navy in handling the crisis during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain appealed that the country is faced with challenges, in view of the Coronavirus pandemic and the tensions regarding security. The equations on the military level are changing, and, in this scenario, the security of the Indian Ocean becomes vital. In view of the aggressive Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean region, it is necessary that the Eastern Command of the Indian Navy is prepared for conventional as well as non-conventional threats in the area.

Lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of Coronavirus pandemic. The Indian Navy implemented the Samudra Setu campaign to repatriate Indians stranded in foreign countries. More than 3,500 Indians were brought back to the homeland through the Samudra Setu campaign. Vice Admiral Jain congratulated the soldiers involved in the campaign.

Since the last few years, Chinese activities have increased in the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese expansionist policy is no more a secret. China is making frantic efforts to establish its domination in the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese submarine movement also has increased in this region. While the entire world is fighting the Coronavirus pandemic, China is trying to take advantage of the crisis. Chinese People’s Liberation Army is trying to establish a naval base in the Indian Ocean region. Analysts have recently warned that these Chinese activities will influence the peace and stability in this region.

India has initiated aggressive steps to counter Chinese aggression. In view of the increased tension after the Galwan conflict, India has started expanding its deployment in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Navy has deployed its main warships in the Strait of Malacca. China has been made aware that India can corner China by tightening the noose around the Chinese trade, passing through the Strait of Malacca. At the same time, efforts are being made to establish QUAD cooperation between India, the United States, Japan and Australia for the security of this region.