*New Delhi: *Over 120 warships of extra-regional forces are currently deployed in the Indian Ocean Region in support of various missions, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said on Friday, referring to increasing maritime presence of various countries in the strategic sea lanes.
In an address at an online conference, Gen Rawat said there has been a "race for strategic places and bases" in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which is only going to gain momentum in times to come.
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The Chief of Defence Staff said an increasing number of countries are focusing on the IOR considering its geo-strategic importance.