India Bolsters Coastal Security After 2008 Attack
NEW DELHI - India has greatly strengthened its coastal security a year since the Nov. 26 Mumbai terror attacks, which came through a sea route.
An Indian Coast Guard helicopter and ship take part in an exercise off the coast of Porbandar in The Arabian Sea in December 2008. The ICG stepped up patrols after terrorist attacks last year in Mumbai. (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)
The Indian government is buying equipment and weapons for coastal security on a fast-track basis as it accords top priority to coastal protection, said a senior Indian Defence Ministry official.
Discussing the plan before Parliament Nov. 25, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said, "The intelligence-sharing mechanism has been streamlined through the creation of joint operation centers and a multi-agency coordination mechanism. Surface and air surveillance has been enhanced by Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships and aircraft all along the coast and in all offshore development areas."
The Indian Navy and the Coast Guards also have been holding routine joint exercises.
The Defence Ministry had set up a high-level mechanism to regularly review its coastal security status following the attacks.
The Coast Guard is also acquiring additional 20 fast patrol vehicles, 41 interceptor boats, 12 coastal surveillance aircraft and seven off-shore patrol vehicles. There is also a plan to establish a chain of 46 coastal radars spanning nine coastal stations across the country.
Help
