Summary:
Kochi, Dec 2 (PTI) Developing infrastructure in the islands of India is in the interest of the country, with an aim to improve connectivity, facilitate tourism and improve the blue economy, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command (FOC-in-C SNC), Vice Admiral M A Hampiholi said on Thursday.
Addressing media for the first time after assuming charge of the Naval Command here on Tuesday, Hampiholi said the SNC played a major role in supplying oxygen and medical equipment to combat COVID-19 pandemic in the Lakshadweep islands.
While discussing a wide range of topics including maritime security, Hampiholi said there was a need for a third Aircraft carrier for the nation and the Navy was awaiting approval of the union government.
"Developing the infrastructure of any kind in many islands is in the interest of the country.
It"s not only the Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands, but also the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where I would say not only the Indian Navy, the national effort in looking at developing infrastructure in these islands to improve the connectivity, to facilitate tourism, to make it as a hub for contribution to blue economy and to increase our national prosperity and to give livelihood to everyone," the Chief of SNC told the media.
He said the Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands have the attention at the highest level-- including that of the NITI Aayog.