Nirmala Sitharaman addresses top Navy officials

New Delhi (India), Apr 23 (ANI): Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, interacted with the officers of the Indian Navy at Naval Commanders' Conference here to discuss the security challenges faced by the country, she also stated that a strong navy was essential to India's ability to secure itself.
"A strong navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity," said the Defense Minister.
She also applauded the Navy for the swift action it took after the Pulwama terror attacks, switching from exercise mode in Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2019 to rapid deployment in the North Arabian Sea. 
"Indian Navy's rapid transition from exercise mode (TROPEX 2019) to Battle mode was impressive," she said.
Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Navy Chief-designate Vice Admiral Karambir Singh and Director General Coast Guard Rajendra Singh, were present at the conference.
The meeting took place a couple of days after eight coordinated bomb blasts shook Sri Lanka leaving 310 people dead and more than 500 injured during Easter celebrations on Sunday.
Indian Coast Guard has been put on high alert along the maritime border with Sri Lanka to ensure the security of the nation from any fleeing terrorists from the group which carried out the ghastly attacks. (ANI)