By IANS
Daman : The emerging terrorist threat from the sea has prompted the Indian government to fast track replacement of ageing platforms and systems of the Coast Guard, Defence Minister A.K. Antony announced here Tuesday.
"As the pressure on terrorists on land increases, this threat is more likely than ever to come from the sea," the minister stated, adding: "In such a scenario, it is important for the Coast Guard to act in close cooperation with the other wings of our armed forces."
Antony was speaking at the silver jubilee function of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Aviation here.
Emphasising the need for faster modernisation of the Coast Guard in view of emerging seaward threat, he, however, said there would be no compromise on transparency while initiating the modernisation process.
According to the minister, as India gains international stature and becomes an economic powerhouse, the Coast Guard's responsibilities are bound to increase.
Toward this, 73 coastal police stations will also be set up for better vigil along the country's vast coastline.
Antony said the government is aware of the need for acquiring new aircraft and surveillance equipment for the Coast Guard for it to effectively perform its multifarious roles.
"Enforcement of maritime laws is another domain that is becoming increasingly important due to rising threat of terrorism from the sea. To meet such varied challenges, upgrading and modernisation of aviation assets is necessary," the minister maintained.
Praising the role played by the Coast Guard in pollution control, Antony said three pollution control vessels would be procured during the year.
Admitting that the delay in the acquisition of various requirements of the armed forces was a serious problem, he emphasised that the government was committed to the process without compromising on transparency.
The procedures relating to this were being constantly improved to facilitate the modernisation process.
Earlier, the minister reviewed a ceremonial parade at the Coast Guard Air Station here.
He also gave away the trophy for the Best Aviation Unit that was jointly awarded to the Kolkata-based 700 Squadron that flies the Dornier aircraft and the Chetak Flight operating at Port Blair.
An impressive flypast by Dhruv advanced light helicopters and Chetaks preceded a peel-off sequence by five Dornier aircraft in a head-on approach.
Among those present on the occasion were the Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral Rusi Contractor and the commanders of the East, West, and Andaman and Nicobar Coast Guard regions.