India must dovetail its surveillance missions in the Indian Ocean Region: Navy chief

As Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean grows, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba speaks to India Today on the threats and challenges India and other friendly navies face in the Indian Ocean Region.

Lanba said, "We have to look at the geo-strategic situation in the Indian Ocean Region. There is a permanent presence of a large number of extra-regional navies in the northern Indian Ocean Region. At any given time, there are over 100 ships. We must take steps to protect India's interests. India must dovetail its deployments and surveillance missions to be aware of what and who is around", the Chief of Naval Staff said.

Earlier, inaugurating the conclave, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman warned about the presence of "extra regional" powers in the Indian Ocean. She also made a categorical mention of "colonial era" land - border disputes spilling over into the oceans.

Watch his full interview with India Today for more.