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| Example Coastal Radar (File Photo) |
The Defence Minister Shri A K Antony reviewed the progress on various steps taken to enhance the Coastal Security of the country here today. He acknowledged the action taken for installation of 46 Coastal Static Radars (36 in Mainland and 10 in Island territories) which would help in identification and monitoring of maritime traffic. Shri Antony asked the officers to expedite on Phase-II of Coastal Security Initiatives which would translate into a robust and gap free Maritime Domain Awareness.
He stated that a seamless and integrated approach by all the stakeholders- various union Ministries, Coastal State Governments and Coastal communities is essential for a fool proof Coastal security. The Minister emphasized that fishermen in the Coastal States are the eyes and ears for overall Coastal security and they should be made an integral part of all our security planning.
Shri Antony called for urgent and immediate action possible from all stakeholders in matters of coastal security and wanted all concerned to work in a coordinated manner so as to ensure a seamless and robust coastal security mechanism.
The Defence Minister was appreciative of the conjoined exercises undertaken by Coast Guard and directed that the next such conjoined exercise should be with the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The meeting was attended by the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi, Defence Secretary Shri Shashi Kant Sharma and other senior officials from Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy and Coast Guard.