New Delhi: Dismissing reports of a lapse in the coastal security in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where an American man was killed by an endangered Sentinelese tribe last month, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said on Monday.
"I don't see this as failure of coastal security construct. He came as tourist in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and had requisite permissions to be there. It's being investigated by the ANC (Andaman and Nicobar Command) police," Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
US national John Allen Chau was killed on November 16 during his second visit to the Sentinel Island allegedly by the protected Sentinelese people, the last uncontacted tribe in the world.
The Navy Chief said that the navy is looking at inducting 56 warships and submarines and the process for bringing in a third aircraft carrier has been moved
He also assured the country that the Navy is keeping round-the-clock vigil on India's maritime domain. "Navy is looking at inducting 56 warships and submarines to enhance its strength. This is apart from 32 warships under construction," he said at his annual press conference.
The process for installing automated identification transponders on around 2.5 lakh fishing boats has been started as part of efforts to enhance coastal security, Admiral Lanba said. The process for induction of a third aircraft carrier has been moved, he said.
Talking about the contract given to Reliance Naval Engineering limited for five offshore patrol vehicles, he said, "We are looking into the contract. Bank guarantee for the deal has been encashed," he added.
Asked about the status of the proposal to set up a base at Seychelles' Assumption Island, he said talks were on with the government of the island nation.
With Maldives now having a favourable government, the two countries are set to strengthen their maritime cooperation, the Navy chief said.
(With PTI inputs)
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