India’s Defence Minister A K Antony on Tuesday held a detailed review of India’s security situation. The meeting was attended among others by Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major and the Defence Secretary Vijay Singh.
The implementation of decisions relating to maritime security was reviewed in detail by the defence minister in a separate meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mehta, Director General Coast Guard Vice Admiral Anil Chopra and other senior officers of Navy, Coast Guard and Ministry of Defence.
The issues included the setting up of Coastal Radar Stations to provide coverage to the entire coastline. This will be done by the Coast Guard in a time-bound manner. Other Cabinet decisions relating to maritime security such as joint control room of Navy and Coast Guard and acquisition of ships and aircraft were also reviewed.
Antony was apprised of the steps being taken by the Navy and Coast Guard to provide secure cordons along the coast through intensified patrolling by ships and through continuous aerial surveillance.
Another meeting is proposed to be held on the maritime security issue next week in which representatives of other ministries and organizations including Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas will also be involved.