EDITORIAL COMMENT BY LEONARD FRANCIS GILL
The Indian Navy, by their own admission, is currently engaged in extensive patrols of the Seychelles' Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are touted by the Indian Navy as part of its efforts to develop a "blue water" navy. Apparently the Indian Navy now considers our homeland waters as part of its area of influence.
These patrols are occurring outside of any announced bilateral treaty that would allow the Indian Navy to patrol the Rasin Homeland's Exclusive Economic Zone. Given this omission and the reckless omission of the PP Collaborator government of James Michel to devise and implement a comprehensive maritime defense plan to protect the inner main islands of our motherland from potential Somali pirate attack, it is clear that the PP Collaborators are relying on a patchwork of uncoordinated efforts to defend Seychelles' maritime interests. Our overall economic well being rely on the security of our maritime environment.
These omissions and the negligent treatment of our soveregn rights is further evidence of the PP Collaborator's lack of respect for the sovereignty of the Rasin homeland and is further evidence of PP incompetence in the defense of our interests.
If the Indian Navy, or any other navy, is to be granted the right to patrol our Exclusive Economic Zone it should be in the context of a recognized bilateral treaty that specifically defines the parties corresponding rights and obligations. And such a treaty should be executed only in the context of a comprehensive maritime defense strategy that should balance Indian influence with similar treaties with the United States and possibly France. This is too important an issue to be treated with such reckless disregard for our sovereignty as has thus far been exhibited by the incompetent PP Collaborators.
ARTICLE FROM THE HINDU NEWSPAPER
(New Delhi - May 10th 2010) The Indian Navy has begun shouldering out-of-area tasks in a bigger way, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma, told his commanders at the bi-annual conference of top commanders here on Wednesday.
In this respect, he drew attention to the ever-increasing demands of maritime security both in the littorals and high seas and the consequent need for the Indian Navy to maintain a high state of preparedness.
“Professional excellence, coupled with material preparedness, sound logistics, effective maintenance and comprehensive training are the cornerstones of combat readiness.”
The Navy Chief also emphasised the need to maintain the highest standards of moral conduct and integrity in addition to professional excellence.
FUND UTILISATION
The Chief of Naval Staff informed his commanders that during the previous fiscal, the Navy had signed major contracts such as additional MiG-29K, cost revision of Gorshkov and had fully utilised the allotted budget.
He was also appreciative of the Defence Ministry for making additional funds available for clearing important schemes. Due emphasis is being laid on improving the efficiency of the internal processes associated with the acquisition to achieve the goals laid out in the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan.
During discussions on the operational status of the Navy, it was brought out that the tempo of operational commitments has been increasing significantly necessitating greater attention to improving operational efficiencies and material availability.
In its quest for blue water status, the Navy maintained a continuous patrol in the Gulf of Aden with 17 ships on duty. In addition, Indian warships patrolled the exclusive economic zone and maritime areas of interest of Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives.
Deliberations will continue on the maintenance philosophy, operational readiness, availability of ships, submarines and aircraft, cyber security and personnel matters impacting the welfare of personnel.
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