Navy ensures security of Indian commercial ships, oil tankers: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Visakhapatnam (PTI): Pointing out that 95 per cent of the country’s trade, including energy supplies, is conducted through sea, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday noted the Indian Navy's indispensable role in securing commercial shipping lanes and oil tankers against emerging maritime threats.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of INS Taragiri here, the Defence Minister said the Indian Navy continuously maintains its presence in the Indian Ocean--whether it is the Persian Gulf or the Malacca Strait.
Singh’s comments assume significance following the disruption of oil supplies and blockage of oil tankers in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia.
According to him, a strong and capable navy is not an option for the country, but a necessity.
“There are many sensitive points in the sea where our Navy has continuously made its active presence to ensure the smooth supply of goods. Whenever there is a situation of tension there, the Indian Navy has ensured the security of our commercial ships and oil tankers,” he said.
The Indian Navy has proven that it is not only capable of protecting the interests of the country, but if necessary, can also take every step to ensure the safety of its citizens and trade routes around the world, he added.
Citing history, he said without strengthening the naval power, no country can be considered powerful in the right sense and therefore, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks about Viksit Bharat by 2047, the basis of marine power becomes very important.
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Externed man arrested in Udupi for violating order; ganja seized from his abandoned car
Udupi: Police have arrested a man who had been externed from the district and was allegedly found in possession of narcotic substances.
The accused, identified as Faizal, a resident of Banglagudde Kasaba in Karkala, had been externed under orders issued by the Special Executive Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police.
According to police, personnel from Malpe police station traced Faizal’s presence within their jurisdiction and moved to enforce the externment order near the Hoode Nagabrahma Babbuswamy Daivasthana in Paduthonse village. On spotting the police, he allegedly reversed his car abruptly, crashed into a roadside coconut tree, and fled the scene.
A case was registered in connection with the incident. During a subsequent mahazar of the abandoned vehicle, police recovered 173.42 grams of ganja and two mobile phones, which were seized.
Investigations revealed that Faizal, along with another accused, had allegedly stored the narcotic substance for sale. A separate case under relevant provisions was also registered at Malpe Police Station.
Faizal was later arrested by the Karkala Town Police Sub-Inspector and was produced before a court.
