Saturday, July 31, 2004
India needs nuclear submarines, says Naval Chief
Indo-Asian News Service New Delhi, July 31
The Indian Navy's new Chief on Saturday said the maritime force needed a nuclear-powered submarine and more modern warships to beef up its strength.
Admiral Arun Prakash, who succeeded Admiral Madhvendra Singh on his retirement on Saturday, however said the decision on inducting nuclear submarines would be up to the government.
"The Navy needs nuclear submarines, but it is up to the government to take a decision on the acquisition," he said in a brief interaction with the media in New Delhi after assuming office.
Military experts have said a nuclear submarine is essential for India to have credible minimum deterrent, while maintaining a "no first use policy" for its nuclear arsenal.
A nuclear submarine, which can stay underwater for months at a time, would allow effective retaliation in case of the country coming under attack from an enemy using nuclear weapons.
In recent years, reports have suggested that India has been negotiating the lease of two Akula-class submarines from Russia, but neither side has confirmed this.
But this was the first time a senior official has acknowledged that the Navy was keen to acquire nuclear submarines.
Prakash is considered one of the finest aviators produced by the Indian Navy and was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry during the 1971 Bangladesh War. He said his priority was to maintain the present force levels of the Navy in warships, submarines as well as air power by acquiring more modern indigenous warships and also importing submarines.
Pointing out that the Navy was suffering from equipment and manpower shortages, he said: "We have to convince the government, we need to overcome them (shortages)."
He said he would also focus on interlinking long-range missiles, radars and sensors on naval warships through satellite and IT.
© HT Media Ltd. 2004.