Centre approves Navy146;s Malacca plan

Finally asserting its claim to security along the Malacca Strait the Centre has approved the Navy8217;s plans to approach Singapore, Malays...

Finally asserting its claim to security along the Malacca Strait the Centre has approved the Navy8217;s plans to approach Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia with a new multilateral plan that safeguards Indian interests along the stretch.

Navy officers will make this operational proposal to senior delegates from the Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia navies here tomorrow as part of the Milan 2006 multinational exercises involving these countries and four others from the region.

Deputy Chief Vice-Admiral J S Bedi is scheduled to arrive here over the next two days to give the Naval Headquarters8217; stamp of authority to the proposal. 8220;So far we have only had bilateral cooperation. We are now looking at a multilateral platform of cooperation for the Malacca Strait. We are also present in the area and can provide support. In our discussions tomorrow, we will specifically discuss this as it is an important area that needs cooperation,8221; the Naval component commander here, Commodore Arun Julka, said.

The move comes after a four-year freeze by New Delhi on all matters concerning the Malacca Strait 8212; the busiest sea lane of communication and trade in the world 8212; after Naval warship INS Sharda was deployed to escort US freight carriers through in April 2002.

At the exercises which begin off the Haddo Wharf here tomorrow, the Navy will simulate a patrol along the Strait followed by the presentation of detailed concept papers on how the Navy8217;s 15 warships permanently based under the integrated Andaman 038; Nicobar command 8212; eight landing crafts, four amphibious landing ships and three fast attack craft 8212; may be pushed south to join its four neighbours for security in the sensitive sea lane. Maneouvres will include search and rescue, replenishment at sea and cross-deck landing operations.

Commander Siow Chee Khiang of the Singapore Navy8217;s 3rd Flotilla, Captain Pradit Sirikupt of the Thai Navy8217;s 3rd Area Naval Command and senior officers of the Indonesian and Malaysian navies will receive the proposal.

Officers here said the government8217;s studied freeze so far on the issue had been to clear the way for individual access pacts with each individual Navy in the Indian Ocean Region since security in the Strait is already under dispute.

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The government8217;s position was well-reflected in Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash8217;s comments six months ago that the country would not impose itself on the issue.

But with individual bilateral understandings now cemented and two patrolling pacts signed with Thailand and Indonesia, the government felt it was time to revisit the issue in a comprehensive manner.