India, April 1 -- Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti on Tuesday said the recent global developments reaffirm the need for a strong navy and with rising strategic competitions and conflicts, the Indian Navy remains the prime manifestation of the country's maritime power.

He was addressing a gathering during the launch of the first NGOPV built by Goa Shipyard Limited in Vasco. "India's identity as a maritime nation is defined by its geography and history.

With a vast coastline, numerous land territories, both in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, and an Exclusive Economic Zone, our maritime domain is both a source of responsibility and of opportunities," Vice Admiral Sobti said, after launching the vessel.

The seas arou...