India, Bangladesh have agreed to bolster maritime ties&nbsp;during the visit of Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi to the neighbouring country. The Navy chief is currently on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, which saw him meeting top Bangladeshi military officials including his counterpart, Bangladeshi Navy chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan. Besides, he also called on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

The new Navy chief has chosen Bangladesh as his first foreign visit since taking charge which showcases emphasis on Delhi's "neighbourhood first" and "SAGAR" policy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-neighbourhood-first-sagar-outlook-foreign-policy-frameworks-at-centre-of-modi-30-inauguration-730111">What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration</a>

On Tuesday (July 2), during his call on Bangladesh PM, he pointed growing cooperation between the two sides. The Bangladesh PM Hasina highlighted that how both countries have "model" ties.

She said: "Bangladesh and India had resolved many problems through dialogue. This relationship could be a model and exemplary for many other neighbouring countries," according to Bangladesh's national news agency BSS.

PM Hasina also recalled India's role in Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971.

Indian Navy chief's visit coincided with the arrival of Indian naval ship Ranvir&nbsp; at&nbsp;Bangladesh's Chattogram port as part of Operational deployment. The Indian Navy ship will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)/ PASSEX with ships of the Bangladesh Navy during its stay in Bangladeshi waters.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Remembering Bangladesh Liberation War: How India helped its neighbour

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Notably, India trains Bangladeshi naval officers as well as part of cooperation between the two sides.&nbsp;

During the visit, Indian Navy chief also addresses National Defence College, Dhaka, reviews the passing out parade scheduled at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Chittagong, places where Bangladesh's next generation military officials are trained.&nbsp;

Maritime cooperation between the two countries has grown from strength to strength in recent years, with significant ramp up on joint efforts towards protection of maritime interests, search and rescue at sea, joint naval exercises as well as coordinated patrols along the shared maritime borders.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also emerged as major backer for Bangladesh's defence upgradation, including announcement of line of credit under the sector.

Last month, Bangladesh Navy signed a contract for ‘Made in India’ 800 tonnes Ocean Going Tug with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilding &amp; Engineers. The tug is part of $500-million line of credit extended to Bangladesh by India.

The visit comes even as high level visit between the two sides continue.

In the month of June this year, Bangladesh PM Hasina visited India twice,&nbsp;first for the oath taking ceremony of PM Modi for his third consecutive term, then for a state&nbsp;visit.

The visit by the Indian Navy Chief also comes ahead of PM Hasina's visit to China.

India, Bangladesh have agreed to bolster maritime ties during the visit of Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi to the neighbouring country. The Navy chief is currently on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, which saw him meeting top Bangladeshi military officials including his counterpart, Bangladeshi Navy chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan.

India, Bangladesh have agreed to bolster maritime ties during the visit of Indian Navy chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi to the neighbouring country. The Navy chief is currently on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, which saw him meeting top Bangladeshi military officials including his counterpart, Bangladeshi Navy chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan. Besides, he also called on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. The new Navy chief has chosen Bangladesh as his first foreign visit since taking charge which showcases emphasis on Delhi's "neighbourhood first" and "SAGAR" policy. Also read | What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration On Tuesday (July 2), during his call on Bangladesh PM, he pointed growing cooperation between the two sides. The Bangladesh PM Hasina highlighted that how both countries have "model" ties. She said: "Bangladesh and India had resolved many problems through dialogue. This relationship could be a model and exemplary for many other neighbouring countries," according to Bangladesh's national news agency BSS. PM Hasina also recalled India's role in Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971. Indian Navy chief's visit coincided with the arrival of Indian naval ship Ranvir at Bangladesh's Chattogram port as part of Operational deployment. The Indian Navy ship will participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)/ PASSEX with ships of the Bangladesh Navy during its stay in Bangladeshi waters. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Remembering Bangladesh Liberation War: How India helped its neighbour × Notably, India trains Bangladeshi naval officers as well as part of cooperation between the two sides. During the visit, Indian Navy chief also addresses National Defence College, Dhaka, reviews the passing out parade scheduled at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Chittagong, places where Bangladesh's next generation military officials are trained. Maritime cooperation between the two countries has grown from strength to strength in recent years, with significant ramp up on joint efforts towards protection of maritime interests, search and rescue at sea, joint naval exercises as well as coordinated patrols along the shared maritime borders. New Delhi has also emerged as major backer for Bangladesh's defence upgradation, including announcement of line of credit under the sector. Last month, Bangladesh Navy signed a contract for ‘Made in India’ 800 tonnes Ocean Going Tug with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilding & Engineers. The tug is part of $500-million line of credit extended to Bangladesh by India. The visit comes even as high level visit between the two sides continue. In the month of June this year, Bangladesh PM Hasina visited India twice, first for the oath taking ceremony of PM Modi for his third consecutive term, then for a state visit. The visit by the Indian Navy Chief also comes ahead of PM Hasina's visit to China.

India and Bangladesh strengthen maritime ties with Navy chief Tripathi's visit

Army Chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi studied together in Class 5 during the 1970s at Sainik School in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa. Watch in for more details!

India: Lt. Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral DK Tripathi were classmates in Sainik school

Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has taken oath as the new chief of the Indian Naval staff. New Delhi hosted a Guard of Honour ceremony to mark his welcome. Watch in for more details!

India: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi takes over as new Navy Chief

For the first time ever, an Indian Navy ship was presented with an on-the-spot honour by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Generally, ships and Navy personnel are awarded on events of national importance, such as Independence Day, Republic Day and Navy Day.

However, INS Nireekshak, a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy was awarded the on-the-spot 'Chief of the Naval Staff Unit Citation', when the Navy Chief visited the ship on Monday, in Kerala.&nbsp;

Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Indian Navy Chief visited INS Nireekshak under Southern Naval Command (Indian Navy's Training Command) at Kochi and interacted with the diving team of the ship. The team has been involved in salvage operations at a depth of 219 metres in the Arabian Sea.

This is the deepest salvage operation carried out in the country's waters. During his address to the ship's crew, the CNS complimented the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving operations.&nbsp;

He exhorted the undaunted spirit of the ‘Men Behind the Machine’ and presented commendations to the divers, for deep sea diving &amp; undertaking salvage ops under the most challenging circumstances.

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Congratulations 👏to Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSNireekshak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSNireekshak</a> under <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SNC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SNC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kochi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kochi</a> for award of On-the-spot Chief of the Naval Staff Unit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Citation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Citation</a> by Adm R Hari Kumar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CNS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CNS</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Commitment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Commitment</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Excellence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Excellence</a>, Hard work &amp; Dedication by the crew in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/deepseadiving?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#deepseadiving</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/salvage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#salvage</a> ops have truly paid off.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmritKaal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmritKaal</a> <a href="https://t.co/kYdgyaORfb">https://t.co/kYdgyaORfb</a> <a href="https://t.co/FWrL5eyPrP">pic.twitter.com/FWrL5eyPrP</a>
— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefencePROkochi/status/1627643847223439365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Built by Mazgaon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in service with the Navy since 1989 and was commissioned in the year 1995. INS Nireekshak has been part of various diving operations and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the country to a depth of 257 metres.

Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off the Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying a wreath at 80 metres depth, the resting site of erstwhile INS Khukri which sank during the 1971 war. INS Khukri, a British-origin anti-submarine warfare frigate has been the only Indian Naval vessel to have been lost in combat.

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For the first time ever, an Indian Navy ship was presented with an on-the-spot honour by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Generally, ships and Navy personnel are awarded on events of national importance, such as Independence Day, Republic Day and Navy Day.

For the first time ever, an Indian Navy ship was presented with an on-the-spot honour by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Generally, ships and Navy personnel are awarded on events of national importance, such as Independence Day, Republic Day and Navy Day. However, INS Nireekshak, a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy was awarded the on-the-spot 'Chief of the Naval Staff Unit Citation', when the Navy Chief visited the ship on Monday, in Kerala. Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Indian Navy Chief visited INS Nireekshak under Southern Naval Command (Indian Navy's Training Command) at Kochi and interacted with the diving team of the ship. The team has been involved in salvage operations at a depth of 219 metres in the Arabian Sea. This is the deepest salvage operation carried out in the country's waters. During his address to the ship's crew, the CNS complimented the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving operations. He exhorted the undaunted spirit of the ‘Men Behind the Machine’ and presented commendations to the divers, for deep sea diving & undertaking salvage ops under the most challenging circumstances. Congratulations 👏to Team #INSNireekshak under #SNC #Kochi for award of On-the-spot Chief of the Naval Staff Unit #Citation by Adm R Hari Kumar #CNS.#Commitment to #Excellence, Hard work & Dedication by the crew in #deepseadiving & #salvage ops have truly paid off.#AmritKaal https://t.co/kYdgyaORfb pic.twitter.com/FWrL5eyPrP — PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) February 20, 2023 × Built by Mazgaon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in service with the Navy since 1989 and was commissioned in the year 1995. INS Nireekshak has been part of various diving operations and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the country to a depth of 257 metres. Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off the Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying a wreath at 80 metres depth, the resting site of erstwhile INS Khukri which sank during the 1971 war. INS Khukri, a British-origin anti-submarine warfare frigate has been the only Indian Naval vessel to have been lost in combat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a first, Indian Navy Chief presents on-the-spot honour for ship; here's why INS Nireekshak won it

After creating a storm back home on his remarks over Russia and China during a visit to India, the German naval chief has now resigned after apologizing for his remarks.

German Navy chief resigns after flak over his remarks on Russia and China

In yet another controversial appointment, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appoints former Navy chief Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda as next Governor of North-Western province.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fumes controversy | Appoints former Navy chief as Governor

“There is a dual challenge from Covid-19 and Chinese attempts to change the Line of Actual Control", says Navy Chief Karambir Singh.

'Ready to tackle China', says Indian Navy Chief Karambir Singh

Navy Chief Admiral <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/admiral-karambir-singh-assumes-charge-as-new-chief-of-naval-staff-223087">Karambir Singh</a> along with VCOAS Lt Gen MM Naravane, and Vice Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal HS Arora paid tributes at the National War Memorial on Wednesday on the occasion of Navy Day.

The three officers also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial.

December 4 is celebrated as Navy Day to commemorate the decisive naval action by the Indian Naval ships on Karachi Port, which heralded the victory of India over Pakistan in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

This year the theme of the Navy Day is 'Indian Navy-Salient, Strong and Swift'.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-to-visit-three-african-countries-from-aug-28-238929">Ram Nath Kovind</a> on Wednesday extended his wishes to the officers, men, and women of the Indian Navy on the occasion of Navy Day and said that nation is proud of their commitment towards the maritime security.

"On Navy Day, my good wishes to all officers and men and women of the Indian Navy. The nation is proud of your commitment to protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of civil emergencies.

May you ever rule the waters. Jai Hind!" Kovind tweeted.

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On Navy Day, my good wishes to all officers and men and women of the Indian Navy. 
 
Nation is proud of your commitment in protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of civil emergencies. 
 
May you ever rule the waters. Jai Hind!
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1202058486974074880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Taking to Twitter Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed her best wishes to the Indian Navy personnel and saluted their invincible courage.

"On Navy Day, I convey my best wishes and greetings to all the Indian Navy personnel and their families.&nbsp;The nation has unwavering faith and pride in the Indian Navy. It is the manifestation of India's maritime power.&nbsp;

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On the Navy Day, I convey my best wishes and greetings to all the <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> personnel and their families. 
 
The nation has unwavering faith and pride in the Indian Navy. It is the manifestation of India’s maritime power. We salute their indomitable courage and valour.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1202055845548158977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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We salute their indomitable courage and valor," Singh tweeted.

Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh along with VCOAS Lt Gen MM Naravane, and Vice Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal HS Arora paid tributes at the National War Memorial on Wednesday on the occasion of Navy Day.

Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh along with VCOAS Lt Gen MM Naravane, and Vice Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal HS Arora paid tributes at the National War Memorial on Wednesday on the occasion of Navy Day. The three officers also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial. December 4 is celebrated as Navy Day to commemorate the decisive naval action by the Indian Naval ships on Karachi Port, which heralded the victory of India over Pakistan in the Indo-Pak War of 1971. This year the theme of the Navy Day is 'Indian Navy-Salient, Strong and Swift'. President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday extended his wishes to the officers, men, and women of the Indian Navy on the occasion of Navy Day and said that nation is proud of their commitment towards the maritime security. "On Navy Day, my good wishes to all officers and men and women of the Indian Navy. The nation is proud of your commitment to protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of civil emergencies. May you ever rule the waters. Jai Hind!" Kovind tweeted. On Navy Day, my good wishes to all officers and men and women of the Indian Navy. Nation is proud of your commitment in protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of civil emergencies. May you ever rule the waters. Jai Hind! — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 4, 2019 × Taking to Twitter Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed her best wishes to the Indian Navy personnel and saluted their invincible courage. "On Navy Day, I convey my best wishes and greetings to all the Indian Navy personnel and their families. The nation has unwavering faith and pride in the Indian Navy. It is the manifestation of India's maritime power. On the Navy Day, I convey my best wishes and greetings to all the @indiannavy personnel and their families. The nation has unwavering faith and pride in the Indian Navy. It is the manifestation of India’s maritime power. We salute their indomitable courage and valour. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 4, 2019 × We salute their indomitable courage and valor," Singh tweeted.

Navy Day: Navy Chief, VCOAS, Air Vice Chief pay tribute at National War Memorial

The Defence Ministry has rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging the appointment of his junior, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vice-admiral-karanbir-singh-appointed-chief-of-naval-staff-replaces-sunil-lanba-205038">Vice Admiral Karambir Singh</a>, as the next Navy Chief, holding that seniority is not the sole criteria for selection.&nbsp;

In order, the defence ministry said Verma's statutory petition dated April 10 against the appointment of Vice Admiral Singh to the top post is devoid of merit and has been rejected in the exercise of powers under Section 23 of the Navy Act 1957.&nbsp;

Verma, commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and senior-most naval commander, had moved a military tribunal last month questioning Vice Admiral Singh's appointment as the next Navy Chief, overlooking his seniority. Singh will take over as the new Navy chief from incumbent Admiral Sunil Lanba, who is retiring on May 31.

The tribunal had on April 25 directed the defence ministry to decide Verma's petition within three weeks.

"The Chief of Naval Staff is selected from amongst the senior most eligible Vice-Admirals of the Indian Navy in the rank of Commander-in-Chief/VCNS (Vice Chief of Naval Staff) through a rigorous selection process, where seniority though an important consideration is not the sole criteria for selection," the defence ministry said in its order in response to Verma's petition.&nbsp;

"Thus in the past&nbsp;too seniority has been dispensed with in appointment of CNS," it said.&nbsp;

In the order, the defence ministry also mentioned about two letters of "Severe Displeasure" issued to Verma on October 28, 2005, and June 29, 2007, saying "it would be incorrect to say that throughout his service tenure he has never been informed or communicated about any shortcomings or misdemeanours"&nbsp;against him.&nbsp;

It said he was also not appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the two operational commands of the Indian Navy -- Eastern and the Western Command.&nbsp;

The defence ministry said a thorough selection process was conducted under which overall service profile of all the contenders for the top post was examined.

It said specific parameters for selection were applied uniformly to all the contenders and based on the assessment, it was found that Vice Admiral Verma, though being the senior most eligible officer, was found unsuitable to hold the post of the Chief of the Naval Staff.&nbsp;

"The central government is also satisfied that no unsubstantiated, frivolous, extraneous or irrelevant consideration has had a bearing on the said selection," the defence ministry said.

In his petition, Verma had mentioned about the Navy Order (Special) 01/2012 which, he said, laid down procedure for selection of officers to ranks of Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral, adding thrust of it was a merit cum-seniority-based approach.&nbsp;

He said the same procedure ought to have been applied for selection of the next Chief of Naval Staff.&nbsp;

To this, the defence ministry said the Navy Order does not cover the appointment of the Navy Chief.

The Armed Forces Tribunal here is scheduled to hear the case on Monday.

A lawyer of Verma said the vice admiral will challenge at the AFT the government's order rejecting his petition.

Verma had filed a statutory complaint with the Defence Ministry on April 10, challenging the appointment of Singh, and asked it to respond within 10 days. 
However, as there was no response from the ministry, he approached the AFT on April 24.

In his petition, Verma wondered why he was overlooked for the top post despite being the senior-most in the line of command, terming as "wrongful" the government's decision to appoint Singh to the post.

While appointing the Army chief in 2016, the government did not follow the long-held tradition of going by seniority. Bipin Rawat was appointed Army chief superseding then Eastern Command Chief Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern Command Chief PM Hariz.

Besides Verma, the other contenders for the Navy Chief post included Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, FOC-in-C of Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar and FOC-in-C of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla.

Singh, who is at present serving as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, will be the first helicopter pilot to become chief of naval staff.

Verma is the brother of former Navy chief Nirmal Kumar Verma.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry has rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging the appointment of his junior, Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, as the next Navy Chief, holding that seniority is not the sole criteria for selection.

The Defence Ministry has rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging the appointment of his junior, Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, as the next Navy Chief, holding that seniority is not the sole criteria for selection. In order, the defence ministry said Verma's statutory petition dated April 10 against the appointment of Vice Admiral Singh to the top post is devoid of merit and has been rejected in the exercise of powers under Section 23 of the Navy Act 1957. Verma, commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and senior-most naval commander, had moved a military tribunal last month questioning Vice Admiral Singh's appointment as the next Navy Chief, overlooking his seniority. Singh will take over as the new Navy chief from incumbent Admiral Sunil Lanba, who is retiring on May 31. The tribunal had on April 25 directed the defence ministry to decide Verma's petition within three weeks. "The Chief of Naval Staff is selected from amongst the senior most eligible Vice-Admirals of the Indian Navy in the rank of Commander-in-Chief/VCNS (Vice Chief of Naval Staff) through a rigorous selection process, where seniority though an important consideration is not the sole criteria for selection," the defence ministry said in its order in response to Verma's petition. "Thus in the past too seniority has been dispensed with in appointment of CNS," it said. In the order, the defence ministry also mentioned about two letters of "Severe Displeasure" issued to Verma on October 28, 2005, and June 29, 2007, saying "it would be incorrect to say that throughout his service tenure he has never been informed or communicated about any shortcomings or misdemeanours" against him. It said he was also not appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the two operational commands of the Indian Navy -- Eastern and the Western Command. The defence ministry said a thorough selection process was conducted under which overall service profile of all the contenders for the top post was examined. It said specific parameters for selection were applied uniformly to all the contenders and based on the assessment, it was found that Vice Admiral Verma, though being the senior most eligible officer, was found unsuitable to hold the post of the Chief of the Naval Staff. "The central government is also satisfied that no unsubstantiated, frivolous, extraneous or irrelevant consideration has had a bearing on the said selection," the defence ministry said. In his petition, Verma had mentioned about the Navy Order (Special) 01/2012 which, he said, laid down procedure for selection of officers to ranks of Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral, adding thrust of it was a merit cum-seniority-based approach. He said the same procedure ought to have been applied for selection of the next Chief of Naval Staff. To this, the defence ministry said the Navy Order does not cover the appointment of the Navy Chief. The Armed Forces Tribunal here is scheduled to hear the case on Monday. A lawyer of Verma said the vice admiral will challenge at the AFT the government's order rejecting his petition. Verma had filed a statutory complaint with the Defence Ministry on April 10, challenging the appointment of Singh, and asked it to respond within 10 days. However, as there was no response from the ministry, he approached the AFT on April 24. In his petition, Verma wondered why he was overlooked for the top post despite being the senior-most in the line of command, terming as "wrongful" the government's decision to appoint Singh to the post. While appointing the Army chief in 2016, the government did not follow the long-held tradition of going by seniority. Bipin Rawat was appointed Army chief superseding then Eastern Command Chief Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern Command Chief PM Hariz. Besides Verma, the other contenders for the Navy Chief post included Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, FOC-in-C of Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar and FOC-in-C of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla. Singh, who is at present serving as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, will be the first helicopter pilot to become chief of naval staff. Verma is the brother of former Navy chief Nirmal Kumar Verma.

Defence Ministry rejects Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging appointment of Navy Chief

Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, on Saturday informed that India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, (IAC) Vikrant, will be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2021.

The chief said, "India's first Indian Aircraft Carrier IAC Vikrant is undergoing outfitting at Kochi shipyard Ltd. Harbour acceptance trials are in progress and sea acceptance trial of this will commence in the latter half of this year."

He further said that "The Aircraft Carrier will be delivered to Navy by the year 2021."

INS Vikrant, also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1), is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India for the Navy.&nbsp;

Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, on Saturday informed that India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, (IAC) Vikrant, will be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2021.

Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, on Saturday informed that India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, (IAC) Vikrant, will be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2021. The chief said, "India's first Indian Aircraft Carrier IAC Vikrant is undergoing outfitting at Kochi shipyard Ltd. Harbour acceptance trials are in progress and sea acceptance trial of this will commence in the latter half of this year." He further said that "The Aircraft Carrier will be delivered to Navy by the year 2021." INS Vikrant, also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC-1), is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India for the Navy.

IAC Vikrant to be delivered by 2021: Navy Chief

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and other top officials of the Navy will embark on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom, starting Tuesday.

The upcoming visit of Admiral Lanba to the UK will integrate existing maritime cooperation initiatives as well as explore new avenues.

It also aims to take forward the vision that was set forth during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the UK in November 2015.

During the three-day visit, Admiral Lanba is scheduled to hold discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff, the UK in London and the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth.

He is also scheduled to visit the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, RN Submarine Rescue Facility at Glasgow and interact with the organisers of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh.

In 1995, with the constitution of Indo-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) and the Group (MSG) a two-tier structure of cooperation was established to progress various areas of defence cooperation.

In September 2004, the two countries had inked a pact to embark upon strategic partnership which prominently figured by defence cooperation.

The ‘Service-level Staff Talks’ forum is officially known as ‘Executive Steering Group’ which is the primary mechanism for enhancing cooperation between the two Armed forces.

Indian Navy and Royal Navy are partners in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a Maritime Cooperation construct conceptualised and pioneered by Indian Navy in 2008.

RN participated in the 10th-anniversary celebrations of IONS at Kochi in November 2018.

The bilateral naval exercise KONKAN is a significant operational link between the two navies and is held every year, alternately off the coast of India and UK.

The two navies also interact on a host of issues like training, doctrinal concepts and Maritime Domain Awareness.&nbsp;

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and other top officials of the Navy will embark on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom, starting Tuesday. The upcoming visit of Admiral Lanba to the UK will integrate existing maritime cooperation initiatives as well as explore new avenues.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and other top officials of the Navy will embark on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom, starting Tuesday. The upcoming visit of Admiral Lanba to the UK will integrate existing maritime cooperation initiatives as well as explore new avenues. It also aims to take forward the vision that was set forth during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to the UK in November 2015. During the three-day visit, Admiral Lanba is scheduled to hold discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff, the UK in London and the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth. He is also scheduled to visit the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, RN Submarine Rescue Facility at Glasgow and interact with the organisers of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh. In 1995, with the constitution of Indo-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) and the Group (MSG) a two-tier structure of cooperation was established to progress various areas of defence cooperation. In September 2004, the two countries had inked a pact to embark upon strategic partnership which prominently figured by defence cooperation. The ‘Service-level Staff Talks’ forum is officially known as ‘Executive Steering Group’ which is the primary mechanism for enhancing cooperation between the two Armed forces. Indian Navy and Royal Navy are partners in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a Maritime Cooperation construct conceptualised and pioneered by Indian Navy in 2008. RN participated in the 10th-anniversary celebrations of IONS at Kochi in November 2018. The bilateral naval exercise KONKAN is a significant operational link between the two navies and is held every year, alternately off the coast of India and UK. The two navies also interact on a host of issues like training, doctrinal concepts and Maritime Domain Awareness.

Navy Chief to embark on 3-day UK visit on Tuesday

Terrorists are being trained to carry out operations via sea: Navy chief Sunil Lanba

A day after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-hit-the-target-at-balakot-wing-commander-abhinandan-will-fly-again-if-fit-iaf-chief-dhanoa-201031"> IAF chief's press conference</a>, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause".

India's Naval chief&nbsp;said Pakistan based terrorists are planning attacks via the high seas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Naval chief Sunil Lanba speaking at an event in Delhi said, "We also have reports of terrorists being trained to carry out attacks with varying modus operandi including through the medium of the sea."

Slamming Pakistan for its support to terror, Lanba said, "India faces a far more serious version of terrorism State-Sponsored Terrorism. You have all witnessed the horrific scale of the extremist attack in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir just 3 weeks ago. This violence was perpetrated by extremists aided and abetted by a state which seeks to destabilize India."

After the 26/11 attacks in 2008 India has increased its security along the coastline.&nbsp;

"Global nature which terrorism has acquired in recent times has further enhanced the scope of this threat," the navy chief said.

The government has been implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of Police Force of the coastal States/UTs for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas.&nbsp;

Under the scheme, 200 Coastal Police Stations are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204 boats, 30 jetties, 284 four-wheelers.

This is not the first time a warning has come of Pakistan-based terrorist planning an attack via the high seas.&nbsp;

In January, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the Home Ministry Hansraj Ahir had said, "available inputs indicate that the Pakistan based terrorist group continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate them into India by sea/water ways."

Explaining further he said,&nbsp;Pakistan-based terrorist organization have exhorted its cadres for "samundari jihad" against India.&nbsp;

On February 14th, a JeM terrorist had rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus leading to the death of over 40 CRPF personnel. India later conducted air strikes inside Pakistan at Balakot on JeM hideouts which later led Pakistan Air Force to retaliate last week.

Meanwhile, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the February 14th attack at Pulwama. He, however, added that his government had decried to crackdown on terrorists&nbsp;claiming that the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing in J&amp;K.

After the bombing and subsequent air strikes by India, the United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the UN Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar.

In an interview with an US based news channel, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell".

Report later indicated that Pakistan may not resist the UNSC move this time. China had earlier blocked the vote thrice in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

A day after IAF chief's press conference, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause".

A day after IAF chief's press conference, Naval chief Sunil Lanba at an event said that the Indo-pacific region has witnessed multiple forms of terrorism in recent years and few countries in "this part of world have been spared by this cause". India's Naval chief said Pakistan based terrorists are planning attacks via the high seas. Naval chief Sunil Lanba speaking at an event in Delhi said, "We also have reports of terrorists being trained to carry out attacks with varying modus operandi including through the medium of the sea." Slamming Pakistan for its support to terror, Lanba said, "India faces a far more serious version of terrorism State-Sponsored Terrorism. You have all witnessed the horrific scale of the extremist attack in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir just 3 weeks ago. This violence was perpetrated by extremists aided and abetted by a state which seeks to destabilize India." After the 26/11 attacks in 2008 India has increased its security along the coastline. "Global nature which terrorism has acquired in recent times has further enhanced the scope of this threat," the navy chief said. The government has been implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005. The objective of the scheme is to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of Police Force of the coastal States/UTs for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas. Under the scheme, 200 Coastal Police Stations are operational, and Coastal Police has been equipped with 204 boats, 30 jetties, 284 four-wheelers. This is not the first time a warning has come of Pakistan-based terrorist planning an attack via the high seas. In January, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the Home Ministry Hansraj Ahir had said, "available inputs indicate that the Pakistan based terrorist group continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate them into India by sea/water ways." Explaining further he said, Pakistan-based terrorist organization have exhorted its cadres for "samundari jihad" against India. On February 14th, a JeM terrorist had rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus leading to the death of over 40 CRPF personnel. India later conducted air strikes inside Pakistan at Balakot on JeM hideouts which later led Pakistan Air Force to retaliate last week. Meanwhile, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry denied Indian accusations that Pakistan was involved in the February 14th attack at Pulwama. He, however, added that his government had decried to crackdown on terrorists claiming that the decision to act was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee before the suicide bombing in J&K. After the bombing and subsequent air strikes by India, the United States, Britain and France proposed last week that the UN Security Council blacklist the head of JeM, Masood Azhar. In an interview with an US based news channel, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that Azhar was in Pakistan and "really unwell". Report later indicated that Pakistan may not resist the UNSC move this time. China had earlier blocked the vote thrice in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

Terrorists being trained to carry out operations in various forms, including through medium of the sea: Naval chief Sunil Lanba

Former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash on Sunday said that there is a need to examine the performance of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Prakash raised his concern after a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mirage-2000-fighter-aircraft-crashes-in-bengaluru-2-pilots-succumbed-to-injuries-194303">Mirage-2000 fighter jet crashed on Friday </a>in Bengaluru killing two IAF pilots.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Prakash said,&nbsp;"Indian Defence is largely dependent on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for various equipments, so there is need to examine why HAL is not performing and deficiency needs to be taken care."

Taking to Twitter, Prakash on Saturday said that the military has, for decades, flown “poor quality HAL machines and often played with young lives but no reckoning for HAL management.Time to focus on the leadership and directors of this giant PSU,” he added.

Sources in the Air Force said initial reports suggest that the plane took off and then landed immediately with great force after which the parts of the front portion broke and it crashed into a gate near the runway.

The aircraft was being flown by two test pilots of the Indian Air Force- Squadron Leader Siddhartha Negi and Squadron Leader Samir Abrol. Both pilots were from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment.

The avionics and electronic warfare capabilities of the planes were upgraded and the two pilots were taking it for an acceptance test when it crashed at the HAL airport.

One of the two pilots managed to eject from the plane, however, he fell on the debris and lost his life.The other pilot was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash on Sunday said that there is a need to examine the performance of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Prakash raised his concern after a Mirage-2000 fighter jet crashed on Friday in Bengaluru killing two IAF pilots.

Former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash on Sunday said that there is a need to examine the performance of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Prakash raised his concern after a Mirage-2000 fighter jet crashed on Friday in Bengaluru killing two IAF pilots. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Prakash said, "Indian Defence is largely dependent on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for various equipments, so there is need to examine why HAL is not performing and deficiency needs to be taken care." Taking to Twitter, Prakash on Saturday said that the military has, for decades, flown “poor quality HAL machines and often played with young lives but no reckoning for HAL management.Time to focus on the leadership and directors of this giant PSU,” he added. Sources in the Air Force said initial reports suggest that the plane took off and then landed immediately with great force after which the parts of the front portion broke and it crashed into a gate near the runway. The aircraft was being flown by two test pilots of the Indian Air Force- Squadron Leader Siddhartha Negi and Squadron Leader Samir Abrol. Both pilots were from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. The avionics and electronic warfare capabilities of the planes were upgraded and the two pilots were taking it for an acceptance test when it crashed at the HAL airport. One of the two pilots managed to eject from the plane, however, he fell on the debris and lost his life.The other pilot was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Need to examine why HAL is not performing: Ex-Navy chief Arun Prakash

In a punitive action, the Navy has encashed a bank guarantee given by the Reliance Naval Engineering Ltd due to inordinate delay in supplying five offshore patrol vessel and said Monday the deal is being looked into.

"There is no preferential treatment being given to RNEL. Its bank guarantee has been encashed. Punitive action has been taken against it. The process is being taken forward," Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said at a press conference.

The Navy Chief was asked about the huge delay in delivery of the vessels by the company and whether Navy is under any pressure to not initiate any action against the company.

Admiral Lanba said the deal is not being cancelled at the moment but added that it is being looked into, indicating that government may take a call on the issue.

The Navy chief also said that the company is undergoing corporate debt restructuring.

There was no immediate reaction from RNEL about the Navy Chief's comments.

Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence has been at the centre of a controversy over the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale jet fighter deal. The Congress has accused the government of favouring the company.

The company, as well as the government, have rejected the charges.

The original contract worth Rs 3,000 crore for five offshore patrol vessels was won by Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering in 2011. The company was bought over by Anil Ambani group in 2016.

According to the original contract, the first vessel was to be delivered by early 2015. However, the deadline was pushed several times.

In a punitive action, the Navy has encashed a bank guarantee given by the Reliance Naval Engineering Ltd due to inordinate delay in supplying five offshore patrol vessel and said Monday the deal is being looked into.

In a punitive action, the Navy has encashed a bank guarantee given by the Reliance Naval Engineering Ltd due to inordinate delay in supplying five offshore patrol vessel and said Monday the deal is being looked into. "There is no preferential treatment being given to RNEL. Its bank guarantee has been encashed. Punitive action has been taken against it. The process is being taken forward," Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said at a press conference. The Navy Chief was asked about the huge delay in delivery of the vessels by the company and whether Navy is under any pressure to not initiate any action against the company. Admiral Lanba said the deal is not being cancelled at the moment but added that it is being looked into, indicating that government may take a call on the issue. The Navy chief also said that the company is undergoing corporate debt restructuring. There was no immediate reaction from RNEL about the Navy Chief's comments. Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence has been at the centre of a controversy over the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale jet fighter deal. The Congress has accused the government of favouring the company. The company, as well as the government, have rejected the charges. The original contract worth Rs 3,000 crore for five offshore patrol vessels was won by Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering in 2011. The company was bought over by Anil Ambani group in 2016. According to the original contract, the first vessel was to be delivered by early 2015. However, the deadline was pushed several times.

There is no preferential treatment being given to Anil Ambani's RNEL: Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has informed that Team Tarini&nbsp;will safely return to Goa on Monday evening. "The six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening," he noted.

Lanba called the event a "staggering achievement at many levels".

"India's maritime narrative adds one more glorious chapter to its illustrious legacy as the six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening. It is a staggering achievement at many levels - for the Indian Navy that conceived and steered the initiative, for Indian women who just broke one more glass ceiling, for those involved with the odyssey for daring to dream big, for the global and Indian sailing fraternity which has new entrants to its Hall of Fame," Lanba added.&nbsp;

"But, above all this is a stupendous achievement for every Indian. There are some days when we are all one. Today, India is Team Tarini. We are all sailors. And the Indian Flag and Naval Ensign flutters high and proud," he said.

INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel that showcases the 'Make in India' initiative on the International forum. The expedition, titled 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', is in consonance with the national policy to empower women to attain their full potential.

The all-women crew of INSV Tarini will return&nbsp;to the state on Monday evening after a historic circumnavigation of the globe for over eight months.

The six women officers trained under Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to solo-circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010.

The expedition was sailed in six legs, with stopovers at the Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Mauritius.

"It covered 21,600 nautical miles in the Indian-built sailing vessel INSV Tarini that visited five countries and crossed the Equator twice, sailed across four continents and three oceans, and passed south of the three Great Capes - Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope," a Navy spokesperson said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Over eight months after they set sail from Goa, the six Navy women on the INSV Tarini will return to the state Monday evening. The Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has informed that Team Tarini will safely return to Goa on Monday evening. "The six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening," he noted. Lanba called the event a "staggering achievement at many levels". "India's maritime narrative adds one more glorious chapter to its illustrious legacy as the six courageous women of Team Tarini sail into Goa this evening. It is a staggering achievement at many levels - for the Indian Navy that conceived and steered the initiative, for Indian women who just broke one more glass ceiling, for those involved with the odyssey for daring to dream big, for the global and Indian sailing fraternity which has new entrants to its Hall of Fame," Lanba added. "But, above all this is a stupendous achievement for every Indian. There are some days when we are all one. Today, India is Team Tarini. We are all sailors. And the Indian Flag and Naval Ensign flutters high and proud," he said. INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel that showcases the 'Make in India' initiative on the International forum. The expedition, titled 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', is in consonance with the national policy to empower women to attain their full potential. The all-women crew of INSV Tarini will return to the state on Monday evening after a historic circumnavigation of the globe for over eight months. The six women officers trained under Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to solo-circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010. The expedition was sailed in six legs, with stopovers at the Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Mauritius. "It covered 21,600 nautical miles in the Indian-built sailing vessel INSV Tarini that visited five countries and crossed the Equator twice, sailed across four continents and three oceans, and passed south of the three Great Capes - Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope," a Navy spokesperson said. (With inputs from PTI)

'India is Team Tarini,' says Navy chief as women's team returns today after circling globe

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday admitted that there has been a significant rise in presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean region.

However, Lanba in an exclusive interview to WION, assured that India&#39;s maritime security is absolutely secure and Navy is keeping a close watch on Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean

&quot;Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country. We have a great maritime heritage. Chinese ships are in the Indian Ocean since 2008 and they have a lot of ships and submarines deployed here,&quot; Lanba said.

We are aware of what is happening and last year, we started a new deployment pattern which is mission-based deployment. We monitor all movements and the Indian Navy is fully capable of ensuring its maritime security,&quot; he further assured.

The vigilant Indian Navy became cautious after reports that China plans to deploy a nuclear submarine at Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar port, which is close to Indian waters.&nbsp;

When asked to comment on the Act East Policy Cooperation, Admiral Lanba said the step is in the right direction.&nbsp;

&quot;We have been co-operating with our eastern neighbours since the Act East policy was initiated in 2014. We, along with Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam conduct co-ordinated patrol on our maritime borders,&quot; he said. &quot;We are also helping them train their personnel.&quot;

Admiral Lanba also acknowledged that co-operation with major powers like the United States and Japan is crucial for India.

&nbsp;&quot;Malabar Exercise began in 1993 and it was a joint naval exercise between the US and India. From 1993 till now, the scope and size of the exercise has gone up. Japan has become a permanent member. We learn from each other.&quot; &nbsp;

&quot;No other country should have a problem with such exercises as they aren&#39;t targetted at any country. China, in the past, has hinted at its reservations to the Malabar Exercise,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The Navy chief further stressed that they are like-minded democratic countries and prefer to uphold international good order and rule-based system in the world. 
&nbsp;

Admiral Lanba said that navy is keeping a close watch on Chinese activities

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday admitted that there has been a significant rise in presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean region. However, Lanba in an exclusive interview to WION, assured that India's maritime security is absolutely secure and Navy is keeping a close watch on Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean "Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country. We have a great maritime heritage. Chinese ships are in the Indian Ocean since 2008 and they have a lot of ships and submarines deployed here," Lanba said. We are aware of what is happening and last year, we started a new deployment pattern which is mission-based deployment. We monitor all movements and the Indian Navy is fully capable of ensuring its maritime security," he further assured. The vigilant Indian Navy became cautious after reports that China plans to deploy a nuclear submarine at Pakistan's Gwadar port, which is close to Indian waters. When asked to comment on the Act East Policy Cooperation, Admiral Lanba said the step is in the right direction. "We have been co-operating with our eastern neighbours since the Act East policy was initiated in 2014. We, along with Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam conduct co-ordinated patrol on our maritime borders," he said. "We are also helping them train their personnel." Admiral Lanba also acknowledged that co-operation with major powers like the United States and Japan is crucial for India. "Malabar Exercise began in 1993 and it was a joint naval exercise between the US and India. From 1993 till now, the scope and size of the exercise has gone up. Japan has become a permanent member. We learn from each other." "No other country should have a problem with such exercises as they aren't targetted at any country. China, in the past, has hinted at its reservations to the Malabar Exercise," he added. The Navy chief further stressed that they are like-minded democratic countries and prefer to uphold international good order and rule-based system in the world.

Indian Navy is fully capable of ensuring its maritime security: Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba

The Maldives has turned down an invite to a naval exercise hosted by India, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said in Delhi on Tuesday.&nbsp;

&quot;Maldives was sent an invitation to attend &#39;Milan&#39;, a multilateral naval exercise hosted by Indian Navy but it declined the invitation,&quot; Lanba said.&nbsp;

The Maldives has been in turmoil ever since President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency over the country. On the sidelines, India and China are sparring with each other to exercise greater authority over the island nation.&nbsp;

Government sources have since said -- anonymously -- that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-india-to-keep-troops-ready-32037" target="_blank">Indian forces are being kept ready</a> in view of the Maldives situation. The sources however added that this was &quot;standard operating procedure&quot;.&nbsp;

There were then a few days ago reports that Chinese ships had been seen in the region, but the reports were refuted by the Indian government.&nbsp;

&quot;We are aware of the Chinese activities in Indian Ocean region. Their pattern of deployment has remained same since many years. At any time, there are 8-10 ships in the Indian Ocean,&quot; Lanba said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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We are aware of the Chinese activities in Indian Ocean region. Their pattern of deployment has remained same since many years. At any time, there are 8-10 ships in the Indian Ocean: Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/Y4y5rwhqoc">pic.twitter.com/Y4y5rwhqoc</a>
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'Maldives was sent an invitation to attend 'Milan', a multilateral naval exercise hosted by Indian Navy but it declined the invitation,' Navy Chief Admir Sunil Lanba said Tuesday

The Maldives has turned down an invite to a naval exercise hosted by India, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said in Delhi on Tuesday. "Maldives was sent an invitation to attend 'Milan', a multilateral naval exercise hosted by Indian Navy but it declined the invitation," Lanba said. The Maldives has been in turmoil ever since President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency over the country. On the sidelines, India and China are sparring with each other to exercise greater authority over the island nation. Government sources have since said -- anonymously -- that Indian forces are being kept ready in view of the Maldives situation. The sources however added that this was "standard operating procedure". There were then a few days ago reports that Chinese ships had been seen in the region, but the reports were refuted by the Indian government. "We are aware of the Chinese activities in Indian Ocean region. Their pattern of deployment has remained same since many years. At any time, there are 8-10 ships in the Indian Ocean," Lanba said on Tuesday. We are aware of the Chinese activities in Indian Ocean region. Their pattern of deployment has remained same since many years. At any time, there are 8-10 ships in the Indian Ocean: Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in Delhi pic.twitter.com/Y4y5rwhqoc — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2018 ×

Maldives turns down Indian invite to naval exercise

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