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The Defense Acquisition Council – the country’s top defence decision-making body headed by defence minister, Rajnath Singh – is expected to clear the acquisition of its second indigenous carrier on Friday, people with direct knowledge of the development said, asking not to be named because the discussions are private.
An enlarged fleet also gives India the ability to exert influence in the seas by being present at many faraway places continuously, the people said.
Representatives for the ministry of defence and Indian Navy declined to comment.
Asia has 5 of the world’s top 7 most powerful navies. Singapore ranks No 24
Asia has 5 of the world’s top 7 most powerful navies. Singapore ranks No 24
02:24
India launches its first home-grown aircraft carrier
India launches its first home-grown aircraft carrier
India plans to have 160 warships by 2030 and 175 by 2035 at an estimated cost of 2 trillion rupees, according to people familiar. More than 60 vessels of the Indian Navy are currently at various stages of construction, they added.
The country is carrying out more warship patrols than ever before, amid growing concerns over China’s rising naval prowess.
India has also upgraded the runway facilities at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands allowing the aircraft to land at night, the people said. That’s a bid to keep a tighter watch over the narrow water straits of Malacca, Sunda and Lombok in the southern Indian Ocean.
The island chain is used by India and its partners for maritime surveillance.
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