Kochi: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu called on India to become totally self-sufficient in all sectors, particularly strategic domains, on Sunday. He spoke to scientists and personnel at the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory in Kochi about the importance of enhancing local content and reducing imports in the defence sector.

"To do so, we must not only devote greater emphasis to research and development activities, but also allow private participation, when practicable and feasible, with strict quality standards," Naidu said. On this occasion, the Vice President virtually laid established the foundation stone  for the "Towed Array Integration Facility," which is key to the development of towed array sonar systems, which are critial to underwater defence.

In light of the fact that India remains one of the world's major importers of defence equipment, Naidu stated that the role of a small lab like Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in empowering the nation in its defence needs is truly commendable

Given the geopolitical situation in our region, the Vice President stated that NPOL's contribution to national security is critical, as all warships and conventional submarines in the Indian Navy's fleet are equipped with NPOL-developed sonars. "Besides bringing in socio-economic benefits by stopping imports in this niche domain, NPOL has mastered a very sophisticated and crucial technology that gives the Indian Navy a strategic advantage in anti-submarine warfare capabilities," he added.

Rajya Sabha panels improve performance Report: Venkaiah Naidu

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu is in Kerala on a five-day visit

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu urges for framing HR policies