New Delhi: India sought bids for purchase of warships and support vessels for its navy and coast guard as it ramps up security of its maritime border in the Indian Ocean region. Beijing has in the past sent its warships to the Indian Ocean region, ostensibly for providing security to its oil tankers. Shipyards were finalized after consultations with the Navy and the Coast Guard based on their ability to build missile warships, the ministry said in the statement. Indian Navy targets a fleet of 200 warships by 2027 but is woefully short with a current strength of 140 warships. The Indian Coast Guard too plans to have 200 vessels by 2022, but is short by 35 ships.

Source: Mint July 02, 2019 03:45 UTC