Indian Navy keen to have third aircraft carrier: Admiral Singh

Panaji: The Indian Navy is keen to acquire a third aircraft carrier, but the government has to take a decision on it, Admiral Karambir Singh said on Friday.

The Chief of Naval Staff also said the Indian Ocean Region is facing a slew of challenges.

“The Indian Navy is keen on having a third aircraft carrier. If you see the blue of 1950s, it was built on three aircraft carriers,” he said.

Admiral Singh was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing ‘Goa Maritime Conclave’ here. The three-day meet, an initiative of the Indian Navy, is aimed at identifying common maritime priorities of littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Ten countries, located in India’s close and distant neighbourhood, are taking part in the conclave.

“We are very much looking forward for the government to take a decision on third aircraft carrier. The procedure for that is yet to start, the Indian Navy chief said.

The conclave, which opened on Thursday, will culminate on Saturday.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was the chief guest for the conclave on Friday.

Speaking about the conclave, held once in two years, Admiral Singh said its allows the chiefs of navies from participating countries to get together and see what are the common challenges and find regional solutions.

“For us it was a great occasion because the National Security Advisor was the chief guest that shows how much interest the Government of India is taking in maritime avenues, he said.

“Though SAGAR, an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the IOR, India wants to take up challenges and work for prosperity of the region, Admiral Singh said.

“The region has been denied prosperity for many years. We want to find out quick solution at operational level. We are more interested in the outcome, he added.