From Daijiworld's special correspondent
reporting from INS Mandovi (Verem,Goa)

Verem, May 27: India will have three more additions to its list of countries seeking naval training with inclusion of Columbia, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Indian Navy, Asia's one of the mightiest maritime defence force already imparts training to 20 countries especially from south east asian region. "More countries have approached us for training in various maritime defence techniques," confirmed Satish Chandra Suresh Bangara, flag officer, commanding-in-chief, southern naval command.

Talking to reporters after formal passing out parade at INS Mandovi, vice admiral Bangara said that huge training infrastructure available with the Indian Navy is a driving force behind such an interest in India for rest of the world.

"At this moment, 84 officers and 180 sailors are being trained in different Indian Naval academies," he stated.

Southern naval command, which manages training part, has 27 establishments under it. "From logistic to Mtech.. We provide everything on training front," Bangara said.

Indian Navy's respect in the maritime world is imminent from the fact that countries like America, UK, France, Germany besides others hold exchange programmes with India. Replying to a question on fund scarcity, Bangara said that despite limited funds, the training is managed well.

Getting ready with its full-fleged training academy at Ezhimala in Kerala, the Indian Navy will shift its training base in Goa, INS Mandovi, to new academy in phased manner.

"INS Mandovi will be shifted by 2009. Base at Goa was a temporary one and this shifting was decided long back," commented the vice admiral.

Besides INS Mandovi, 10+2 entry technical wing of INS Shivaji at Lonavla (Maharashtra) would also be shifted to Ezhimala, which is a huge complex.