Intent on expanding India's naval footprint, the government has hiked the allowance of sea-farers deployed in high-risk areas.

The landmark decision will address the existing anomaly with respect to the compensatory allowance for Risk and Hardships (Sea Going Allowance) faced by personnel of the Indian Navy while being deployed at sea.

The move will further enhance the resolve and morale of the dedicated naval personnel who are deployed for operations in high risk areas, anti-piracy operations, maritime security and IMBL patrols while defending India's maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The decision docks with India's decision to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific following greater military assertion by China in the region.

The move is part of an exercise to safeguard sea lanes used for international trade. After the Asian Tsunami of 2004, the government is imparting greater focus on raising naval capabilities to address Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).   

The Defence Ministry said that it is "a fitting recognition" of the services rendered by the men and women in whites in the year of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

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