Tuesday, May 31 2005 10:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

On Board Special Aircraft: Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash yesterday (May 30, 2005) said the issue of Defence procurements should be kept out of party politics as it affects national security.

"We are very, very unhappy. It is very unfortunate that party politics has come in the way of defence procurements," Admiral Prakash told reporters when asked whether the issue, which became a major ballgame between the ruling and Opposition parties recently, was coming in the way of their requirements.

"Defence purchases should be kept out of party politics. All political parties should evolve a consensus on the issue since it affects national security," he said.

Talking about funds allocation to the Navy, Admiral Prakash said though they were happy with the current allocation of 16 per cent of the total defence budget, it should be raised to 20 per cent.

"Navy's share should be raised to 20 per cent," he said.

He said the Indian Navy is now giving stress to building naval ships indigenously and around 22 ships were in different stages of construction.

"But the problem is the number of ships retiring from service is much higher than that of those joining the Navy," he said.

The Indian Navy ships that are in different stages of construction include three destroyers, three stealth frigates in Mazagaon dock, three offshore patrol vessels in Goa, three anti-submarine warfare ships (corvettes) in Kolkata and a few fast attack crafts.