Indian Navy in talks with TN government to expand footprint

Chennai, Dec 1 (IANS) The Indian Navy is in discussions with the Tamil Nadu government to expand its footprint in the state, said a senior official on Friday.

He said the Indian Navy's Eastern Command has become home to force multipliers.

Addressing the media on board INS Sumitra, Rear Admiral Alok Bhatnagar also the Flag Officer, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area said: "We are also at advanced stages of consultation with state government and other central agencies towards expansion of Naval footprint in Tamil Nadu.

"We are confident of complete support of the state government for allotting us much required land for infrastructure augmentation."

According to Bhatnagar, the Indian Navy, in close consultation with the state government, the Coast Guard, the Coastal Security Group and several other organisations has been taking multiple initiatives to strengthen coastal security in Tamil Nadu.

He said the next meeting of the high level apex committee to review the coastal security in the state will be held in January 2018.

Bhatnagar said the biannual International Maritime Boundary Line Meeting between the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard will be scheduled next month.

He said in line with India's 'Look East' policy, the Eastern Naval Command, headquartered at Visakhapatnam, has become home to force multipliers, such as INS Chakra nuclear powered submarine, P8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, MIG 29 K fighter aircraft and several other machines.

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