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Of late, India has played a large role in protecting and escorting high-value cargo in the straits and not just Indian but those of other
countries as
well. Apart from an increase in naval force based in Vizag, the Indian Navy is also planning to induct 3 new airbases in the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands that would be capable of handling transport and fighter planes. It has already conducted many exercises in the region using planes from its Jaguar and
Sukhoi fleets.
India has also conducted exercises with the latest US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan near the Straits to assess capabilities to
protect sea lanes.
India has also conducted several exercises with countries in the South East Asian region and Russia. The Presidential Fleet Review of February 2006 demonstrated the ENC’s capacity to show presence, reach and inter-operability with a number of frontline warships of Western and Eastern Commands, and operational demonstration such as missile and torpedo firing.
The Eastern Army Command at Kolkata in West Bengal and Southern Air Force Command at Thiruvanathapuram in Kerala support the ENC. |
