However, he clarified there was no move to increase naval presence in the South China Sea. Antony was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Naval Commanders’ Conference. This statement comes within weeks of two verbal duels between the two neighbours. Incidentally, Vietnam President Truongtuong Tan Sang is on official visit to India.

The first incident was when Indian naval warship INS Airavaat on a sail in the South China Sea had carried on with its scheduled course after an unidentified caller over the open radio network allegedly asked the Captain of the ship about his presence in the waters. Just three weeks ago, Indian oil exploring company ONGC started exploration in off-shore block near Vietnam in South China Sea. India made it clear that these were international water and all installations would be protected against any aggression.

Antony, speaking to the commanders said, “The Navy will be the net security provider to island nations in the Indian Ocean Region. Importantly, he said the phase II of the Karwar port (South of Goa) will soon be cleared by the Cabinet. This will more than double the berthing jetties for the Navy. Karwar is one of the few deep sea ports on the West coast.

On Chinese Army’s presence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the minister said they had been present in the area since a long time. He said India was aware of the fact and had conveyed its concern to China also. He refused to comment on the nuclear submarine Akula class “Nerpa” that India was leasing from Russia for 10 years.