Calling for a requisite strategy to be responsive to the full spectrum of its operations, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma said the primary challenge before the Indian Navy was to balance its resources and building human capital.

Addressing the concluding session of the three-day Naval Commanders' Conference in New Delhi, Admiral Verma said, the Indian Navy had made tremendous progress in its modernisation drive through its various plans and programmes.

It has maintained and sustained a high operational tempo while dealing with a large number of tasks and missions, including anti-piracy operations and coastal security.

Pointing out to the aviation arm of the Navy, he said the first lot of MiG 29K aircraft for 'Vikramaditya' aircraft carrier (Admiral Gorshkov) had been inducted this year and the rest are expected to be delivered in phases.

He said, a major milestone, however, was the first flight of the P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft in September this year. It is scheduled for induction in 2013.

On initiatives for the Navy’s growing role in the Indian Ocean Region, Admiral Nirmal Verma said, steps have been taken for induction of ships with the finalisation of contracts for five Off-shore Patrol Vessels, two Cadet Training Ships, eight Amphibious Landing Craft and the Fast Interceptor Craft.