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Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh on Thursday proposed to make the strategic naval base at Karwar in Karnataka. He expressed that it will be one of the Asia’s largest naval base. He also assured that additional funds will be provided when required.
After reviewing the progress of infrastructure development at Kanwar under “Project Seabird” the minister along with Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh asserted that the base will not only bolster the country’s operational military readiness but will also support in augmenting trade, economy and humanitarian aid operations in the region.
TOI reported that it is already the home base for several frontline warships including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. After the completion of Phase IIA of the Project Seabird it will allow Karwar to berth 32 major warships and submarines.
According to earlier reports, the base facilitates the Navy with both strategic depth and operational flexibility on the western seaboard, especially against Pakistan. It also provides help in the endeavor to decongest Mumbai.
He further expressed that the navy has played a major role in establishing India’s ties with maritime neighbors as well as ensuring stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region in accordance with Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sagar’. He further applauded the Navy’s effort in providing humanitarian aid not only to the country but also to the entire region during the COVID 19 pandemic.