Why it is in news?

• The Navy is institutionalising an experimental concept of round-the-clock surveillance of critical choke points in the Indian Ocean.
• The issue was reviewed at the ongoing biannual Naval Commanders Conference chaired by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.

What is the plan?

• The plan involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications and choke points.
• These ships deployed are ready to meet any eventuality across the spectrum of operations ranging from acts of maritime terrorism and piracy to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
• These deployments are aimed to be maintained 24/7 and round the year with ships being sustained and turned around on station
• The new mission-based deployment concept was unveiled in the last Naval Commander’s Conference and was ratified for incremental implementation, in the backdrop of increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• As part of this, at least 12-15 major warships are on round-the-clock surveillance of critical choke points in the IOR, the official added.
• Of late, China has increased its presence in Indian Ocean in the name of anti-piracy operations.