‘Coastal Security Didn’t Fail’: Navy Chief on John Chau’s Death

Indian Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on Monday, 3 December, indicated that there was no failure on Indian Navy's part in regards to the killing of American tourist John Allen Chau.

“I don't see this as failure of coastal security construct,” said Lanba during his annual press conference.

Chau, 26, was killed by the Sentinelese tribe in Andaman and Nicobar after he illegally entered their highly-restricted island to preache Christianity, ANI reported on 22 November.

During the probe, police said Chau had enlisted the help of a local electronics engineer and water sports service provider, and hired five fishermen to evade the patrolling teams of police, Coast Guard and Navy to approach the island.

Speaking further regarding the ongoing investigation by the Andaman and Nicobar Command police, Lanba added that Chau came as tourist in the islands and had requisite permissions to be there, He added that the probe is still underway.

Navy Looking at Inducting 56 Warships & Submarines

Lanba, who was speaking on the eve of Navy Day, also discussed several other issues and made a number of announcements. Speaking on the upcoming updates in Indian Navy, the chief said:

“Navy is looking at inducting 56 warships and submarines to enhance its strength. This is apart from 32 warships under construction.”

Sunil Lanba, Indian Navy chief

In his nearly 70-minute media briefing, the Admiral listed various steps being taken to modernise his force, including induction of a large fleet of military jets and choppers. He added that the construction of a second indigenous aircraft carrier is expected to start within a period of three years.

Referring to overall security scenario in the region, the Navy chief said:

“Our maritime security strategy is aimed at providing a maritime environment that is free from all forms of traditional and non-traditional threats to our national development.”

Sunil Lanba, Indian Navy chief

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)