The Indian Navy's current force structure and future expansion plans "reflect its hegemonic mindset to further flex its muscles and become a blue water navy," Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Noman Bashir said on Wednesday.
Bashir made the remarks while addressing a naval aviation seminar in the southern port city of Karachi.
He said the Pakistan Navy is keeping a watchful eye on its area of responsibility to ensure the free flow of traffic and to effectively tackle threats and challenges.
As the sea is the most economical medium of transport, sea-lanes of communication have become lifelines for survival, economic growth and prosperity, he said.
However, the sea has also been exploited for illicit activities like piracy, drug smuggling and human trafficking, he noted.
Framing strategies to secure Pakistan's interests and preserving the lawful maritime order in the face of these challenges is a multifaceted and demanding task, Bashir said.
In this backdrop, the protection of maritime trade and the safety of sea lanes has become the Pakistan Navy's main concern, he said. Participants in the seminar discussed various themes that focused on the capability and capacity building of naval aviation.
The discussions and papers highlighted the emerging role of the Pakistan Navy's Air Arm in the changing maritime scenario. Some papers dwelt on India's maritime strategy and fleet expansion plans. They also identified the implications of these factors for the Pakistan Navy.
{{/usCountry}}The discussions and papers highlighted the emerging role of the Pakistan Navy's Air Arm in the changing maritime scenario. Some papers dwelt on India's maritime strategy and fleet expansion plans. They also identified the implications of these factors for the Pakistan Navy.
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