Amid Rising Concerns, Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar Vows to Prevent Piracy
New Delhi [India], January 18 – In the wake of recent drone attacks by suspected Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and the deployment of Pakistan vessels along the Indian coastline, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar reassured the public on Thursday that the Indian Navy is committed to safeguarding the nation’s interests and preventing piracy.
Speaking to media representatives, Admiral Kumar stated, We are not going to permit any piracy to happen. He highlighted that piracy incidents in Indian waters were significantly reduced last year, but there has been a resurgence recently, possibly due to the disturbance caused by the drone attacks in the Red Sea.
To address this concern, the Indian Navy has taken prompt action and deployed an adequate number of assets. Admiral Kumar emphasized the navy’s determination to uphold national interests, stating, We are ensuring that our national interests are preserved and protected.
The Navy chief also affirmed that no India-flagged merchant vessel has been attacked amidst the ongoing disturbance. He expressed the navy’s commitment to collaborating with regional partners, including smaller countries, to maintain the safety and security of the waters.
In another development, Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Department, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), highlighted the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the defense sector. Kamat explained that AI has multiple applications, including preventive maintenance, surveillance, cybersecurity, and offensive actions. He believes that AI will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of military services.
Regarding the major threat from AI, Kamat stated that the country faces risks in the cyberspace, particularly through AI-powered cyber attacks. However, he emphasized that the same AI technology can be used for cyber defense. Kamat mentioned that collaborative efforts are underway with academic institutions to develop AI-based techniques for detecting cyber intrusions. Additionally, India is working closely with friendly nations in this domain.
The statements from Admiral Hari Kumar and Samir V Kamat shed light on the Indian Navy’s dedication to countering piracy and upholding national security interests. With their proactive approach and collaborations, they aim to safeguard maritime activities and ensure the safety of India-flagged merchant vessels. Furthermore, their acknowledgment of AI’s potential in the defense sector demonstrates India’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to protect against emerging threats in the cyberspace.
