Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar yesterday said that at any given point in time, 4-6 PLA Chinese ships, along with research and fishing vessels, are on sail in the Indian Ocean, but they are under a “close watch” for want of maritime security, Indian media reports said.

Responding to a volley of questions, at the annual Indian Navy Day press conference, in New Delhi, on China increasing its naval capabilities to dominating maritime presence, Admiral Hari Kumar said, “There are a lot of Chinese ships which operate in the Indian Ocean Region. We have about 4-6 PLA Navy ships, then some research vessels which operate. A large number of Chinese fishing vessels operate in the Indian Ocean Region. We keep a close watch on all developments.”

“Recent events, like the Russia-Ukraine war, have demonstrated that we cannot be dependent on others for our security requirements. The government has given us very clear guidelines towards being Aatmanirbhar,” the Navy Chief said.

“All our focus remains directed towards making the Indian Navy fully Aatmanirbhar by 2047,” he added, elaborating on efforts to achieve indigenization in the Indian Navy. Responding to increased movement of Chinese ships, in the Indian Ocean region, the Navy Chief said that it keeps an eye on all developments in the region to ensure Indian interests are protected.

“Our job is that India’s maritime interests are protected and we see that they don’t do anything that goes against the Indian interests,” added Admiral R Hari Kumar. Terming the induction of Agniveers into the Indian Navy a transformational move, the Admiral said that 3,000 Agniveers have joined the forces, of which 341 are women Agniveers.

He said that while women will join as sailors for the first time, all branches of the Indian Navy will be opened for women officers from next year. The 341 women sailors will also be trained in the same manner as their male counterparts, he said. “We have inducted 341 women Agniveers. They undergo the same tests, including physical endurance, etc. The women sailors will be deployed on bases, ships and aircraft. They will be trained for everything,” he said.

Responding to a query regarding the status of eight naval veterans, in confinement in Qatar, the Navy Chief said that the issue is being pursued at the highest level. “After joining the Navy, you become a member of the Navy family. Continuous efforts are being made by all the agencies at the highest level to resolve this matter. We hope a solution will be found,” Admiral Kumar said.

The Navy Chief said that this year the Navy’s share in the defence budget is 17.8 percent, which is quite adequate. Capital to revenue ratio was 32:68 which is very good, he added. Admiral Kumar said that the last one year has been operationally very engaging and intense. “Operationally, we had a very engaging and intense time in the last year. A very high operational tempo has been maintained over the last year. Extensive operational deployment helps us in many ways, in honing up our skills, etc.,” he said.

He added that the commissioning of India’s first ever Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, Vikrant, has been the landmark event for the Navy, and for the country. “It signifies persistent efforts of policymakers. It inspires self-confidence among us. It’s a shining symbol of our indigenous capacity,” he said. December 4 is celebrated as Navy Day every year to acknowledge the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate its achievements in ‘Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.