New Delhi (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Sachet’ and two interceptor boats (IBs) in Goa, via video conference.
The two interceptor boats– C-450 and C-451 — and ICGS ‘Sachet’ are indigenously build and will enhance maritime security, the Defence Minister said, adding they symbolise self-reliance.
The ICGS Sachet, the first in the series of five offshore patrol vessels has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh said, “The commissioning of these ships is an important milestone in India’s coastal capability building process. Also, despite challenges like COVID-19, it is also a great example of our commitment and determination for the safety and security of the country. The rising power of ‘our sea guard’, ICG and Indian shipbuilding industry is a matter of pride for the country.”
Speaking on the government’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region), he said, “The oceans are the lifelines of not only our country, but also global prosperity.” Safe, protected and clean seas provide economic opportunities for our nation building.
“India is an emerging maritime power, and our prosperity is also very dependent on the sea. Being a responsible maritime power, Oceans are priority of the government”, he added.
Praising the role of ICG guarding the coastline, Rajnath Singh said, “As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, it has established itself as a reliable force. It not only protects our coastline and coastal community, but also protects economic activities, and maritime environment in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
The Defence Minister also acknowledged that the sea can become a medium of any kind of threats sponsored by anti-national elements. Therefore it is extremely important to develop a collaborative and cooperative approach among all stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that the Coast Guard ships being inducted from today onwards will add to their strength and help in addressing the challenges related to maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling etc.
On the occasion, Director General of Indian Coast Guard Krishnaswamy Natarajan said, the commissioning event proved that despite the hurdles posed by COVID-19, the ICG moves ahead.
The new additions to the ICG fleet of vessels would assist the ICG to remain ever vigilant at sea and contribute to nation’s fight against COVID-19, he added.
Along with Rajnath Singh, Ajay Kumar, defence secretary, and D G Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General of ICG, were also present on the occasion. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik was present at Vasco facility of Goa Shipyard Ltd at the time of commissioning.
The 105-metre ship displaces approx 2350 tons and is propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6000 nm ( nautical miles).
The Ministry of Defence said that it is for the first time in Indian maritime history that a ship was commissioned through digital medium, maintaining strict protocol of social distancing in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic.
The interceptor boats C-450 and C-451 are indigenously designed & built by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard Hazira. It fitted with latest navigation and communication equipment. The two 30 metre long boats are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 knots and designed for high speed interception, close coast patrol and low intensity maritime operations.
The ships, on joining the Coast Guard fleet, will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal security and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter of duties, to safeguard the maritime interests of the Nation.
With the commissioning of these ships, the ICG has reached a landmark 150 ships & Boats and 62 aircraft.
Beside this, 40 ships are in various stages of construction at different Indian Shipyards and 16 advanced light helicopters are under production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru.
In the year 2019, the ICG has to its credit of saving about 400 lives at sea, 4,500 lives as part of assistance rendered to civil authorities and undertook 32 medical evacuations, the MoD said.
