.jpeg)
NEW DELHI: The Navy will remain operationally ready at all times to deter adversaries in view of the existing and emerging challenges in the maritime domain, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Tuesday.
Taking over as the 26th chief of the 140-warship Navy from Admiral R Hari Kumar, Admiral Tripathi said the maritime force’s primary mandate is to deter potential adversities at sea in peace and “to win the war at sea when asked to do so”.
“This will remain my singular focus and endeavour,” he said, emphasising that the Indian Navy has evolved into “a combat-ready, cohesive, credible and future-proof force” over the years.
“I will also strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Navy towards 'Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), towards new technologies and becoming an important pillar of the nation's development towards our collective quest for `Viksit Bharat’ (developed India)’,” he added.
A communication and electronic warfare specialist who was commissioned in July 1985, Admiral Tripathi has extensive experience in naval operations while commanding frontline warships as well as in his earlier stints as the Eastern Fleet commander, DGNO and Western Naval Command chief. Significantly, he has also handled the force’s entire modernization plans as the assistant chief of naval staff (policy and plans) and then as the vice chief since January.
He has taken over at a time when Indian warships are extensively deployed in the Gulf of Aden, off the east coast of Somalia and the Arabian Sea due to the continuing attacks by Houthi rebels and Somali pirates that have adversely impacted sea trade in the region.
The fast expanding China-Pakistan collusive threat in the maritime domain after the land borders is also a major concern. For one, with already the world’s largest Navy with 355 warships and submarines, China is rapidly expanding its strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.
Moreover, China is also helping Pakistan build a strong Navy. It has already delivered four Type 054A/P multi-role frigates to Islamabad, while deliveries of eight Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines are also slated to begin soon.
