The Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony on Monday said that a sensitive and dangerous neighbourhood has created a complex security environment. Addressing the meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to his ministry in New Delhi, Mr. Antony said he had asked the Navy to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the security of Island territories as well. He said, the international trade and energy requirements have also necessitated secure sea lanes of communication.

Giving details of the massive efforts that have been made by the government to beef up coastal security, Mr. Antony said the capital expenditure for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard has been doubled in the past three years following the 26/11 terror strike.

The Defence Minister did not agree with the suggestion that India should follow a policy of hot pursuit against Somalian pirates. He said twenty Navies of the world are operating in the Gulf of Aden and India is also cooperating with them. He, however, emphasized that a joint effort under the aegis of the United Nations may yield better results.