New Delhi: India Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi took a swipe at Pakistan’s goal to become 50 ships strong by the next decade. He said that the neighbouring country chose weapons over the welfare of its people notwithstanding the state of its economy.
Speaking at the annual press conference ahead of Navy Day on December 4, the Navy Chief said, “We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy and their aim to become 50 ship force by next decade. Seeing the economy of Pakistan, it is surprising how they are getting so many ships and submarines. Obviously they have decided to choose weapons over welfare of the people. So, good luck to them”.
He said that many of Pakistan’s ships and submarines are either being built in China or being built in Pakistan with the help of Beijing. “This shows that China is interested to make Pakistan navy more strong,” he added.
Admiral Tripathi said that eight new submarines that are being constructed will add significant combat potential to the Pakistan Navy. “We are fully aware of what is happening, what is their level of deployment ... therefore we are tweaking ours as well ... We are full ready to tackle all threats from our neighbours,” said Navy chief.
He said that India is keeping a close watch on the activity of the Chinese ships in the Indian Ocean. Admiral Tripathi said, “We have also kept a close watch on the activities of extra-regional forces operating in the Indian Ocean region including the PLA Navy units- whether it is their warships, their research vessels, satellite tracking ships and we know who is doing what, where and how...”
On the domestic front, the Navy chief said that India is set to seal the proposed procurement of 26 naval variant of Rafale jets and three additional Scorpene submarines next month. He said that the government has given approval to domestically construct two nuclear attack SSN submarines (nuclear powered, but not carrying nuclear weapons) and the first one is likely to be delivered by 2036-37, with a second two years thereafter. The Indian Navy will be inducting 96 ships in the next 10 years including two being built by Russia. He said that the stealth frigate Tushil constructed by Russia will be commissioned this month and then will be brought to India, he added.
The Navy chief confirmed that India carried out the first test of a long-range missile from the recently commissioned SSBN nuclear submarine ‘INS Arighaat’ last month. He said the data from the launch is being examined and it will take some time before the missile is inducted.
