At a conclave here on Tuesday to discuss naval efficiency and combat readiness amid worries over an assertive China encircling India , Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Indian Navy has emerged as a "dependable partner" for Indian Ocean Region littoral navies.Sitharaman addressed senior commanders of the Indian Navy on the first day of the four-day conclave here that is being held to review the Navy's new "mission-based deployments philosophy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region". That is a big change. "She said the Indian Navy, in addition to being the primary instrument and manifestation of the nation's maritime power, had also established itself as a potential tool for military diplomacy. "Towards this endeavour, the combat management system for the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant being developed with a private vendor ( Tata Power ) is a big step towards strategic partnership between the Defence Ministry and industry. "Programme 'samudrika', which will result in achieving 100 per cent indigenisation of the electronic warfare fit onboard Indian naval platforms, is also reflective of Indian Navy's continued efforts towards indigenisation.

Source: Economic Times May 08, 2018 14:37 UTC