Antony reviews measures to bolster coastal security

New Delhi, Aug 2 (ANI): Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Thursday took stock of country's coastal security, and directed the first phase of the Coastal Radar Network, on both the west and east coast be completed within the next two months.

Antony, who is likely to visit some coastal locations soon to review the progress on Coastal Radar Network, emphasised that all the stakeholders should work with common purpose and ensure that there are no gaps in the coastal security framework.

The Coastal Radar Network is an important component of the coastal security mechanism which will ensure monitoring and identification of maritime traffic.

He further directed that time bound actions should be taken for ensuring a full proof coastal security system.

He said the government is fully committed to modernise Navy and Coast Guard. He also urged the state governments to be equal partners in this regard.

Antony also expressed his desire to have another meeting to discuss coastal security immediately after the ensuing Monsoon Session with representatives of other Central government ministries and agencies who are part of the coastal security mechanism.

The Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, Secretary, Department of Defence Production Shekhar Agarwal, Director General Coast Guard Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan and Senior officers of Ministry of Defence, Navy and Coast Guard attended the meeting. (ANI)