The aim is to make the strategic naval base at Karwar in Karnataka as the largest such base in Asia, told defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and promised that the additional funds will be provided for it if required in future.
After reviewing the progress of infrastructure development at Karwar under “Project Seabird”, along with Navy chief Admiral K. Singh, the minister said that the base will not only further bolster the country’s operational military readiness, but also it will help in augmenting trade, economy and humanitarian aid operations in the region.
Already the home base for several frontline warships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, the completion of the ongoing Phase-IIA of Project Seabird will enable Karwar to Berth No. 32 major warships and submarines.
The base provides the Navy with both the strategic depth and the operational flexibility on the western seaboard and especially against Pakistan, while also helping in the endeavour to decongest Mumbai, as it was earlier reported by TOI.
The Navy who played a key role in enhancing India’s ties with its maritime neighbours as well as ensuring the stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region in accordance with PM Modi’s vision of ‘Sagar’, he told. He also praised the Navy’s efforts in providing the humanitarian aid to not just the country, but the entire region during the pandemic.
