rmed Forces on High Alert in The Wake of Tremors Off Indonesia

he Armed Forces are on high alert to tackle any tsunami threat in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. A flag was raised immediately after a massive earthquake, measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale, was reported at 1408 hours today with epicenter at 270 nautical miles south of Campbell Bay. 

The Indian Navy took immediate action in preparation for any possible tsunami that could be triggered by the high intensity earthquake. Ships in Port Blair were sailed out as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile the Eastern Naval Command is preparing ships with disaster relief teams embarked on it to provide immediate assistance to affected areas, if required. Other Naval Ships at sea in the Bay of Bengal have also been alerted. 

The IAF has also kept two C-130J on standby at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. The giant aircraft are ready to fly a swift reaction team of 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel equipped with sniffer dogs at any momentupon call. Ten tonnes of medical supplies and rescue and relief material have also been loaded on the aircraft. One IL-76 aircraft has also been kept on standby at Chandigarh which will also carry NDRF team while two AN-32s and Dorniers are on standby in the southern sector. 

Antony Commissions Nuclear Submarine ‘INS Chakra’ into Indian Navy

The Indian Navy formally inducted the nuclear-powered submarine ‘INS Chakra’ into its fleet today. The INS Chakra was commissioned by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony at a ceremony in Visakhaptnam this morning. Following is the text of his address on the occasion:

“It is really a pleasure to be here this morning for the momentous arrival ceremony of INS Chakra. The historic event reflects the high level of cooperation and strategic partnership between India and Russia. 

It was more than five decades ago, in 1954, that the first nuclear-powered submarine Nautilus revolutionised submarine warfare. Nuclear propulsion has given the submarine the ability to operate submerged at high speeds for unlimited periods, limited only by human endurance. 

Over the years, nuclear-powered submarines have assumed far greater significance and changed the complexion of maritime warfare. Indian Navy entered the era of nuclear propulsion in 1998 with the induction of the erstwhile Chakra, a Charlie class SSGN – wherein SS denotes “Submarine”, G denotes “Guided Missile” and N denotes “Nuclear”. The three-year lease of the erstwhile Chakra was a landmark event in international cooperation. The successful operation of this SSGN cleared the decks for the induction of present INS Chakra in its new ‘avataar’ into the Indian Navy. 

  Over the years, the Indian Ocean Region has assumed great strategic significance. This region is home to large population and some of the most dynamic and fast growing economies. Geo-strategically, India is the hub of this region. The disruption of sea-borne trade due to piracy, terrorism, or conflict can have serious repercussions on the economies and overall well-being of nations in the Indian Ocean Region. As peace and stability in the region are crucial to peace in the world at large, it is imperative that the Indian Navy maintains a strong, stabilising and credible naval presence in the region. At the same time, I wish to strongly emphasise that our naval presence is not at all directed against any nation, but only to act as a stabilising force and protect our strategic interests. Towards this end, the induction of INS Chakra is a step in the right direction. INS Chakra would no doubt play a major role in reshaping maritime operations of the Indian Navy in the years to come and ensure security, sovereignty and economic prosperity of the country. 

Our defence forces in general and the Navy in particular, have had a long association with Russia. The lease of INS Chakra is a true reflection of the remarkably strong and close ties between our countries. I am confident that INS Chakra will symbolise both, the success of the Russian submarine building capability and the Indian Navy’s competence in exploitation of technologically complex platforms. 

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Russian Navy, Russian crew, personnel of Amur shipyard and Vostok shipyard. I also thank JSC Rosobornexport for making this lease possible. Their support and cooperation has made it possible to successfully commission INS Chaka into the Indian Navy. I am sure that following in the true spirit of the longstanding, strategic friendship between our two great nations, the Russian Federation would extend the requisite technical support to INS Chakra during her operations in India. 

On behalf of the Republic of India, I congratulate the Indian Navy for successfully inducting INS Chakra. I also extend my heartiest congratulations to the Commanding Officer of INS Chakra and the crew for their painstaking efforts during the challenging phases of training, acceptance and passage to India. I wish the Commanding Officer, officers and men of the submarine fair weather following seas, good fortune and happy hunting. 

The nation is really proud of this latest addition to the Indian Navy. All of us look forward to operate this powerful platform. I am confident that whenever called upon, INS Chakra, would bring credit and glory to our country and the Indian Navy.”