Antony : Indian Navy-Net security provider to Island nations in IOR

India’s Defence Minister, A K Antony Wednesday assured maritime neighbors of the country's “unstinted support for their security and economic prosperity”. “Indian Navy has been mandated to be a net security provider to island nations in the Indian Ocean Region,” said Antony addressing the top brass of the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence at the three day Naval Commander’s Conference, in New Delhi. He said “most of the major international shipping lanes are located along our island territories. This bestows on us the ability to be a potent and stabilising force in the region.” While acknowledging the benefits of conducting several exercises in the South China Sea, East China Sea and the Western Pacific, Antony also brought out the need to maintain a balance between the various responsibilities of the Indian Navy by saying “Although reaching out to our extended neighbourhood is important, you must always be mindful of the core area of your responsibility that mainly includes preserving and strengthening our shore lines and coastal security.” Talking about coastal security Antony said, “We have taken several measures to strengthen our coastal security, our maritime forces are capable of protecting our maritime frontiers. However, this should not lead into a feeling of complacency”. He went on to say that ''isolated incidents, which though directly did not pose a challenge to maritime security, highlighted the need to further strengthen our coastlines and maritime security.' Saying so Defence Minister emphasised the need to replicate coastal security exercises with all stakeholders “as frequently as possible.” Antony also spoke on other issues and challenges that face the Indian Navy. Describing piracy as a continuing cause of major concern, He acknowledged the proactive efforts of the Indian Navy but noted that, “the international community as a whole needs to do a lot more collectively.”