Indian Navy is strengthening its vigil along water border in the eastern part of the border to ensure security and prevent crimes in the region, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral R P Suthan said in Kolkata on Tuesday.
"It would ensure safety and prevent cross-border terrorism, smuggling, infiltration through water border in Eastern India," Suthan told reporters after meeting West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at the state secretariat.
Suthan also sought state government's cooperation for exchange of intelligence from the state agencies, besides intensifying its cooperation with the Border Security Force and Coast Guards. Out of 7300 km water border in the country, 3200 km water border was in Eastern India.
Speaking about fleet strength of the Indian Navy, Suthan said that it had a strength of about 150 ships, of which nearly 50 were in Eastern India.
However, a plan was taken up for acquisition of 34 more ships, of which 15 would be delivered by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, he said.