Mumbai: India's maritime boundaries were neglected ever since the country got Independence, as it was always anticipated that any aggression against the country could be made from land route, Defence Minister George Fernandes admitted on April 18.

"Since the day the country got freedom till the recent Kargil war, the country's maritime borders and the Navy has been neglected," Fernandes said after the country's first stealth warship 'Shivalik' was launched at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai.

The fact has been highlighted in the high-level committee report, set up on security measures after the Kargil intrusion, the Defence Minister said.

Fernandes said during the invasion of Iraq, Naval forces of US, UK, Spain and Italy were "indulging in front line operations" and were not merely playing a supportive role for the war on land.

Lauding the effort of Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) for making the impressive stealth warship after three Delhi-class destroyers, Fernandes said the Dockyards after fulfilling the country's needs of defence production must possess ability to export it.

"We talk about export of defence productions, but it may be realised by next year," he said adding, "If India start exporting warships, then it would be a remarkable achievement."

PTI