According to official figures, 33 Indian Navy ships are on deployment everyday on an average. The government is also eyeing to set up a naval base at Assumption Island in Seychelles.As part of the Navy's modernisation drive, the government has approved induction of 56 new ships besides the 32 vessels which are being built. "By 2050, we will also have 200 ships, 500 aircraft and be a world-class navy," Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said last month.At present, the Navy has around 130 vessels. The launch of nuclear submarine INS Arihant was also another highlight for the Navy.Reflecting their growing military ties, India and the US inked a key pact -- Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA) - under which will facilitate Indian armed forces to obtain critical military technologies from the US, and access communication network.The IAF too undertook a series of measures to take on any challenges facing the country. Under the policy, government had planned to rope in foreign defence majors to build key military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with Indian companies.

Source: Economic Times January 06, 2019 08:48 UTC