'WE'RE MONITORING THE BUILD-UP OF THE CHINESE NAVY'

Chief of Naval Staff ADMIRAL R. HARI KUMAR is enthused by the induction of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant—a floating airbase of fighter jets. In an exclusive interview to PRADIP R. SAGAR, Admiral Kumar spoke about the status of a third carrier, how the Agnipath scheme will bring about a balance of youth and experience, and why the proposed Maritime Theatre Command will help synergy

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Q. The Chinese navy is on an expansion mission and is projected to operate up to 10 carriers by 2049. How do you see this? A. The Chinese navy’s force accretion has been rapid. We are monitoring their buildup. The Indian Navy has plans in place, based on a constant scan of geo-security developments, to ensure our interests are always protected. In this, aircraft carriers have a crucial role to play—for India to have the capability to dominate the Indian Ocean and project power away from its shores. They are central to fleet operations and the concept of Sea Control, as they offer flexibility of a very high order...across vast maritime spaces. We feel a third carrier will further our objectives.

Q. What’s the status of the Navy’s demand for a third carrier?