&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-will-prove-to-be-the-gamechanger-for-iaf-air-chief-marshal-bs-dhanoa-221975">Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa</a> received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba here on Wednesday.

A press note from PIB Defence Wing said, "Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will be the Chairman COSC with effect from May 31, consequent to the relinquishment of charge by Admiral Sunil Lanba upon superannuation."

The release further said, "Dhanoa, an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the Flying Branch of Indian Air Force in June 1978. He is an experienced fighter pilot and a qualified CAT 'A' Flying Instructor with over 3000 hours of flying experience to his credit...The Air Chief Marshal has mainly flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force."

"During the Kargil war (1999), he was the Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron. He has held many coveted operational and staff assignments that include command of a frontline fighter Base, Director Fighter Operations and War planning at Western Air Command, Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff officer of two operational Commands.&nbsp;

He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command and has also been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff," the release added.

Admiral Sunil Lanba is proceeding on retirement on May 31, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dhanoa is an ardent supporter of Tri-Services Jointmanship, he was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of Tri-Services issues.

&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba here on Wednesday.

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba here on Wednesday. A press note from PIB Defence Wing said, "Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will be the Chairman COSC with effect from May 31, consequent to the relinquishment of charge by Admiral Sunil Lanba upon superannuation." The release further said, "Dhanoa, an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the Flying Branch of Indian Air Force in June 1978. He is an experienced fighter pilot and a qualified CAT 'A' Flying Instructor with over 3000 hours of flying experience to his credit...The Air Chief Marshal has mainly flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force." "During the Kargil war (1999), he was the Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron. He has held many coveted operational and staff assignments that include command of a frontline fighter Base, Director Fighter Operations and War planning at Western Air Command, Chief Instructor (Air) at DSSC, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff officer of two operational Commands. He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command and has also been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff," the release added. Admiral Sunil Lanba is proceeding on retirement on May 31, after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Dhanoa is an ardent supporter of Tri-Services Jointmanship, he was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of Tri-Services issues.

Air Chief B S Dhanoa receives baton of Chairman, COSC from Admiral Sunil Lanba

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019.&nbsp;

Singh PVSM, AVSM, at present, holds the position of Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 31 October 2017 after Vice Admiral HCS Bisht retired.

Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1980. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai.&nbsp;

In a career spanning nearly four decades, Singh earned extensive experience commanding numerous ships, like ICGS Chand Bibi, INS Vijaydurg, among others, and flying the HAL Chetak and Kamov Ka-25 helicopters.&nbsp;

For his service, Singh has been awarded the Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Param Vishist Seva Medal.&nbsp;

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019.

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed the next Chief of Naval Staff. Singh will be replacing Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba who will vacate the office on May 31, 2019. Singh PVSM, AVSM, at present, holds the position of Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 31 October 2017 after Vice Admiral HCS Bisht retired. Singh was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1980. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai. In a career spanning nearly four decades, Singh earned extensive experience commanding numerous ships, like ICGS Chand Bibi, INS Vijaydurg, among others, and flying the HAL Chetak and Kamov Ka-25 helicopters. For his service, Singh has been awarded the Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Param Vishist Seva Medal.

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh appointed Chief of Naval Staff, replaces Sunil Lanba

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

Raising concerns over the increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said Wednesday that "at any given time, there are six to eight Chinese Navy ships in the northern part of the Indian Ocean" and "no navy has grown so rapidly in the last 200 years as the Chinese Navy."&nbsp;

Lanba added that "they are a force and they are a force which is here to stay."

The Chinese have added 80 ships to their navy in the last 5 years.&nbsp;

Lanba was speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-should-be-talks-with-the-taliban-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189220">There should be talks with the Taliban, says army chief Bipin Rawat</a>

Elaborating, the navy chief said, "since 2008 there has been a permanent presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean region in the form of anti-piracy escort force. The 31st anti-piracy escort force is present in the Gulf of Aden."

China commissioned its first overseas facility in Djibouti two years ago. The stated aim of Bejing's deployment is to protect Chinese trade from piracy in the region.&nbsp;

Lanba however said that China has "deployed submarines for anti-piracy operations" which is the "most unlikely platform to be used for this role".&nbsp;

He also expressed concern over China's spending on its military.&nbsp;

"There is no doubt they are spending a huge sum of money to develop military capabilities. They are modernising the forces, they are modernising command structure," Lanba said.&nbsp;

A Chinese submarine deployed in the Gulf of Aden since April 2015 docked at Karachi in May and July 2015 after transiting through international waters.&nbsp;

India on its part undertakes coordinated patrols and maritime exercises with foreign navies including those of island countries in the Indian Ocean. India has also been increasing its diplomatic engagement with Indian Ocean region countries, and under the Indo-Pacific concept calling for a rules-based approach in the region.&nbsp;

Raising concerns over the increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said Wednesday that "at any given time, there are six to eight Chinese Navy ships in the northern part of the Indian Ocean" and "no navy has grown so rapidly in the last 200 years as the Chinese Navy.

Raising concerns over the increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said Wednesday that "at any given time, there are six to eight Chinese Navy ships in the northern part of the Indian Ocean" and "no navy has grown so rapidly in the last 200 years as the Chinese Navy." Lanba added that "they are a force and they are a force which is here to stay." The Chinese have added 80 ships to their navy in the last 5 years. Lanba was speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. Also read: There should be talks with the Taliban, says army chief Bipin Rawat Elaborating, the navy chief said, "since 2008 there has been a permanent presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean region in the form of anti-piracy escort force. The 31st anti-piracy escort force is present in the Gulf of Aden." China commissioned its first overseas facility in Djibouti two years ago. The stated aim of Bejing's deployment is to protect Chinese trade from piracy in the region. Lanba however said that China has "deployed submarines for anti-piracy operations" which is the "most unlikely platform to be used for this role". He also expressed concern over China's spending on its military. "There is no doubt they are spending a huge sum of money to develop military capabilities. They are modernising the forces, they are modernising command structure," Lanba said. A Chinese submarine deployed in the Gulf of Aden since April 2015 docked at Karachi in May and July 2015 after transiting through international waters. India on its part undertakes coordinated patrols and maritime exercises with foreign navies including those of island countries in the Indian Ocean. India has also been increasing its diplomatic engagement with Indian Ocean region countries, and under the Indo-Pacific concept calling for a rules-based approach in the region.

No navy has grown as rapidly in the last 200 years as China's: Indian naval chief Sunil Lanba

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

Indian naval chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said Monday that in the last 10 years, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seized-indian-vessel-moved-to-undisclosed-location-over-ransom-demands-pirate-leader-14178?amp">the Indian Navy has thwarted 44 piracy attempts</a>.&nbsp;

Lanba added that the navy had apprehended 120 pirates.&nbsp;

"...navy remains committed to curbing this global menace," Lanba said.&nbsp;

"Since 2008, 70 Indian naval warships have been deployed, which safely escorted over 3,440 ships with over 25,000 mariners on board," Lanba added.&nbsp;

Lanba added that he did not think of John Allen Chau's death as a failure of "coastal security". Chau, an American, was recently killed by tribesmen on North Sentinel Island in the Andamans.&nbsp;

The Sentinelese are one of the world's last uncontacted tribes. Visitors are not allowed on to their island with the navy enforcing a three-kilometre buffer around North Sentinel.&nbsp;

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Admiral Sunil Lanba on American tourist John Allen Chau killed in Andaman: I don't see this as failure of coastal security construct.He came as tourist in Andaman&amp;Nicobar island&amp;had requisite permissions to be there. It's being investigated by ANC(Andaman&amp;Nicobar Command) police. <a href="https://t.co/QzqIMG75wm">pic.twitter.com/QzqIMG75wm</a>
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And Lanba added that the navy was in touch with Kulbhushan Jadhav's family "and are providing them all assistance".&nbsp;

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Chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba on Kulbhushan Jadhav: We are in touch with his family &amp; are providing them all assistance. <a href="https://t.co/ljscXrBKyn">pic.twitter.com/ljscXrBKyn</a>
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Pakistan says Jadhav is a serving Indian naval officer who was caught spying in Pakistan. India says Jadhav has retired from the navy.&nbsp;

Indian naval chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said Monday that in the last 10 years, the Indian Navy has thwarted 44 piracy attempts. Lanba added that the navy had apprehended 120 pirates.

Indian naval chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said Monday that in the last 10 years, the Indian Navy has thwarted 44 piracy attempts. Lanba added that the navy had apprehended 120 pirates. "...navy remains committed to curbing this global menace," Lanba said. "Since 2008, 70 Indian naval warships have been deployed, which safely escorted over 3,440 ships with over 25,000 mariners on board," Lanba added. Lanba added that he did not think of John Allen Chau's death as a failure of "coastal security". Chau, an American, was recently killed by tribesmen on North Sentinel Island in the Andamans. The Sentinelese are one of the world's last uncontacted tribes. Visitors are not allowed on to their island with the navy enforcing a three-kilometre buffer around North Sentinel. Admiral Sunil Lanba on American tourist John Allen Chau killed in Andaman: I don't see this as failure of coastal security construct.He came as tourist in Andaman&Nicobar island&had requisite permissions to be there. It's being investigated by ANC(Andaman&Nicobar Command) police. pic.twitter.com/QzqIMG75wm — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × And Lanba added that the navy was in touch with Kulbhushan Jadhav's family "and are providing them all assistance". Chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba on Kulbhushan Jadhav: We are in touch with his family & are providing them all assistance. pic.twitter.com/ljscXrBKyn — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × Pakistan says Jadhav is a serving Indian naval officer who was caught spying in Pakistan. India says Jadhav has retired from the navy.

In 10 years, Indian Navy has thwarted 44 piracy attempts: Naval chief Sunil Lanba

Maldives is a "challenge" for India at the moment as its current government is more inclined towards China, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said today, indicating that the ties between New Delhi and Male are yet to reach a level of normalcy.&nbsp

Lanba, however, added that patrolling of the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the Indian Navy has again commenced and that India would continue to work with the government of the archipelago nation.&nbsp

He also said there is no necessity to get a military dimension to the Quad involving India, the US, Australia and Japan.

"Maldives is a challenge at the moment. The present government in Maldives is more inclined towards China. The constitution has been tweaked and some islands have been given to the Chinese for development. There is no news at the moment of any listening post in the Maldives. There is some development that is going on. We will have to wait and watch," Lanba said in response to a question at an event at the Vivekananda Foundation International.&nbsp

India's ties with Maldives nose-dived after it criticised the Abdulla Yameen government for imposing a 45-day emergency in the archipelago nation earlier this year.&nbsp

During the crisis, India had ignored calls for military intervention from the opposition parties in the island nation.

The influence of China on Maldives, an island nation in the Indian ocean, considered a backyard of India, has been growing and it is seen as a concern in New Delhi.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Maldives neither participated in the multi-national 'MILAN' naval conclave, a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by the Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which was held in mid-March this year nor did its defence minister lead his country's delegation to take part in the DefExpo2018.&nbsp

"We (India) have an EEZ patrolling (exercise) that we regularly do with Maldives. We just finished one (exercise) last week. The one (exercise) previously held had been called off by the Maldivian government, but that has been recommenced. We continue to train their personnel. We just finished a special forces training camp. We will continue to work with the Maldivian government," Lanba said.

Responding to another question on the Quad, the Navy chief said it was a discussion forum for international good order and peace and following the norms of the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"We are not going down that route. I don't think there is a necessity to get a military dimension to the Quad," he said.

The Quad is also seen as a move to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region where Beijing has been trying to spread its influence.&nbsp

The meeting was held in Manila in November last year, which was attended by leaders of the four countries.

Lanba said the rapid growth of the Chinese navy is "apparent" and it is also in collusion with other "adversaries" in the Indian Ocean region.

"Deployment of Chinese naval ships have increased manifold since October 2008 and new bases have been set up," he said citing the example of the Djibouti naval base in Africa.&nbsp

On a question on deployment of tactical nuclear weapons at sea by Pakistan, the Navy chief said there is no such information, but Islamabad is in the process of developing a cruise missile which it hopes to fit on a submarine that is being built in China.&nbsp

The missile, he said, is also being built with the help of Chinese technology.&nbsp

He said the Indian Navy is "well-poised" for handling any exigency and the strategic roadmap the force follows keeps it ready for "assuring peace and winning wars should that become inevitable".&nbsp

Lanba said India and Bangladesh will hold its first coordinated patrol next month.

Responding to a question on whether he had any interaction with former Navy official Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani court for alleged spying, in his career.&nbsp

"I don't have access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. Unfortunately, in my service career, we have not worked together. The officer's mother and wife had met up with him. That was the first access we gained of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

What we came to know that he is hail and hearty and up and about," Lanba said.

Pakistan permitted a meeting between Jadhav and his mother and wife at Islamabad in December last year.&nbsp

India's ties with the Maldives nosedived after it criticised the Abdulla Yameen government for imposing a 45-day emergency in the archipelago nation earlier this year

Maldives is a "challenge" for India at the moment as its current government is more inclined towards China, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said today, indicating that the ties between New Delhi and Male are yet to reach a level of normalcy. Lanba, however, added that patrolling of the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by the Indian Navy has again commenced and that India would continue to work with the government of the archipelago nation. He also said there is no necessity to get a military dimension to the Quad involving India, the US, Australia and Japan. "Maldives is a challenge at the moment. The present government in Maldives is more inclined towards China. The constitution has been tweaked and some islands have been given to the Chinese for development. There is no news at the moment of any listening post in the Maldives. There is some development that is going on. We will have to wait and watch," Lanba said in response to a question at an event at the Vivekananda Foundation International. India's ties with Maldives nose-dived after it criticised the Abdulla Yameen government for imposing a 45-day emergency in the archipelago nation earlier this year. During the crisis, India had ignored calls for military intervention from the opposition parties in the island nation. The influence of China on Maldives, an island nation in the Indian ocean, considered a backyard of India, has been growing and it is seen as a concern in New Delhi. Maldives neither participated in the multi-national 'MILAN' naval conclave, a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by the Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which was held in mid-March this year nor did its defence minister lead his country's delegation to take part in the DefExpo2018. "We (India) have an EEZ patrolling (exercise) that we regularly do with Maldives. We just finished one (exercise) last week. The one (exercise) previously held had been called off by the Maldivian government, but that has been recommenced. We continue to train their personnel. We just finished a special forces training camp. We will continue to work with the Maldivian government," Lanba said. Responding to another question on the Quad, the Navy chief said it was a discussion forum for international good order and peace and following the norms of the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS). "We are not going down that route. I don't think there is a necessity to get a military dimension to the Quad," he said. The Quad is also seen as a move to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region where Beijing has been trying to spread its influence. The meeting was held in Manila in November last year, which was attended by leaders of the four countries. Lanba said the rapid growth of the Chinese navy is "apparent" and it is also in collusion with other "adversaries" in the Indian Ocean region. "Deployment of Chinese naval ships have increased manifold since October 2008 and new bases have been set up," he said citing the example of the Djibouti naval base in Africa. On a question on deployment of tactical nuclear weapons at sea by Pakistan, the Navy chief said there is no such information, but Islamabad is in the process of developing a cruise missile which it hopes to fit on a submarine that is being built in China. The missile, he said, is also being built with the help of Chinese technology. He said the Indian Navy is "well-poised" for handling any exigency and the strategic roadmap the force follows keeps it ready for "assuring peace and winning wars should that become inevitable". Lanba said India and Bangladesh will hold its first coordinated patrol next month. Responding to a question on whether he had any interaction with former Navy official Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani court for alleged spying, in his career. "I don't have access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. Unfortunately, in my service career, we have not worked together. The officer's mother and wife had met up with him. That was the first access we gained of Kulbhushan Jadhav. What we came to know that he is hail and hearty and up and about," Lanba said. Pakistan permitted a meeting between Jadhav and his mother and wife at Islamabad in December last year.

Maldives a 'challenge', more inclined towards China: Navy chief 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

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