Indian Navy will have nuclear capability in future says Admiral Sureesh Mehta
10 May 2008, 1411 Hrs

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Mumbai, May 10 (ANI): Chief of the naval staff admiral Sureesh Mehta has said that the growth path of the Indian Navy is pretty strong and developing rapidly as the country's economic growth is also increasing.

Addressing the media during the naval commanders' conference here, Admiral Mehta said, in order to make the Navy more powerful and efficient the Indian Navy has ordered 34 ships, six submarines and three aircrafts carriers out of which two will be indigenous carriers. He further added that there are long term development plans to improve the strength of the Indian Navy.

Admiral Mehta also said that the Indian Navy does not have nuclear missiles but in the future they will certainly have nuclear capability.

While admitting that there has been delay in aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov), Admiral Mehta said India hoped to have three aircraft carriers.

"Considering the long-term perspective of the Navy, we're quite on target," he added.

The three day naval commanders' conference was held to deliberate upon major operational issues with regard to defence of nation's maritime interests, coastal security, assets at sea and overall naval strategy.

The conference was attended by the highest echelons of Navy from the integrated headquarters at New Delhi, three command headquarters and the two fleets. (ANI)