SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF

Visakhapatnam, January 3, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here with Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy which is at the forefront of safeguarding our national maritime security interests in the region through continuously maintaining its operational and combat preparedness for meeting challenges.

Today, I have had the opportunity to go on board some ships and to visit dockyard support facilities. The intensive training, operational tempo and commitment levels, I witnessed demonstrates that our Navy is geared to fulfil any mission and responsibility.

Political, economic and socio-cultural transitions are underway in our neighbourhood and elsewhere in the world. There are new challenges in transnational crimes, piracy, terrorism, illegal immigration, drug and arms trafficking and more lethal weapons. As significant stakeholders in the international system, we need to manage the constantly changing nature of warfare and strategic shifts to secure our national interest.

The recent attacks in Mumbai, and in other places, have shown the ugly face of the ideology of terrorists that makes them kill innocent people ruthlessly. Terrorism is acquiring an increasingly dangerous dimension and threatens regional and global security. To our brave Marine Commandos, the National Security Guard, policemen and firefighters who bravely fought and defeated the terrorists, we pay our homage and express our gratitude. We are resolved to deal with the scourge of terrorism in a resolute manner.

The Navy, on its part, I am sure, will take measures to enhance coastal vigilance. It should step up operational cooperation and coordination with other security agencies of the country and constantly endeavour to upgrade its crisis response mechanism with appropriate upgradation of infrastructure, equipment and training.

The Eastern Seaboard with its rich heritage, strategic environment, geographical and economic opportunities is at the forefront of maritime consciousness. The area of interest of this Command overlooks the world's busiest maritime superhighways and it has the onerous responsibility to ensure safe and smooth flow of sea trade. Also, the vast ocean resources, including minerals and energy, have the prospect to further catalyse our economic prosperity in our endeavour to emerge as a developed nation.

Naval Ships of a country shoulder the responsibility of being the instruments of maritime diplomacy to ensure peace and stability. Eastern Naval Command ships, submarines and aircraft in the area of interest regularly cooperate and exercise with other regional and extra-regional navies of the world. This is a vital tool for effectively dealing with the maritime challenges of a globalized world. The operations by our Naval ships in the Red Sea to neutralize and arrest armed piracy has demonstrated our resolve, reach and effectiveness to the entire world.

I would like to appreciate the lead role played by Eastern Command in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations at national and regional level. It reflects the humane face of our Armed Forces.

In the end, I would like to complement all of you for the high operational preparedness of Eastern Naval Command. I am sure that the Indian Navy will leave no stone unturned to meet current and future challenges and to attain national objectives.

Thank you,

Jai Hind