Navy Chief strongly pitches for third aircraft carrier, says India will soon procure six more submarines, other assets

Admiral Karambir Singh also said the Indian Navy was cognisant of the rapid expansion of the Chinese PLA, and has put in place a standard operating procedure in the event of any infringement of its maritime domain in the Indian Ocean Region New Delhi: Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh on Thursday said the Indian Navy is moving towards procuring a number of key assets including six more submarines, and pitched for a third aircraft carrier even as he asserted that the force is fully ready to deal with any challenge including from China. Admiral Singh also said the COVID-19 pandemic and attempts to change the status quo at India’s northern borders have thrown up challenging situations, adding the Indian Navy aimed to stand steadfast as a “combat-ready, credible and cohesive force”, furthering the country’s national and maritime interests. “As a primary manifestation of India’s maritime power, the Indian Navy stands ready to fulfil its mandate to protect our national interests in the maritime domain.” Admiral Singh also said the Navy was looking at the establishment of maritime theatre command in the near future which would further buttress joint planning and application of force in the maritime domain. Admiral Singh said the Navy will soon take forward the process of acquiring six more submarines as well as a plethora of other assets including six P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.