New Delhi, January 4
Marking a major step forward in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding and maritime capability development, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Samudra Pratap’, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in Goa today. With over 60 per cent indigenous content, ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the ICG fleet to date. The addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the ICG’s operational capability in pollution control, fire-fighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection. It will also strengthen its ability to conduct extended surveillance and response missions across India’s vast maritime zones.
Singh described the vessel as an embodiment of India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem, which possesses the capability to handle complex manufacturing challenges effectively, adding that consistent efforts are being made to enhance the indigenous content in ships to 90 per cent.
“ICGS Samudra Pratap has been specially designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this alone. As multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, the ship will prove to be effective in coastal patrol, and strengthen maritime safety. It is a product of the modern approach adopted by the GSL to enhance flexibility and readiness to deal with present day maritime challenges,” said Singh.
Singh commended the ICG for playing a multidimensional role – from marine pollution to coastal cleanliness, from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement. He added that, with the way the Coast Guard is fulfilling its duties, a clear message has been sent to the country’s adversaries that if they dare to cast an evil eye on India’s maritime borders or attempt any misadventure, they will be met with a bold and befitting response.
The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats, and modern firefighting capabilities. It also features a helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities, which can significantly increase its reach and effectiveness. Singh expressed confidence that due to these capabilities, the vessel will be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, providing a huge advantage in real-life operations.
Singh termed marine environment protection as not just a strategic necessity, but a moral responsibility, amidst the challenges of climate change and global warming. He appreciated ICG for carrying out oil spill response, firefighting, and salvage operations, placing India in the category of select countries that possess advanced environmental response capabilities. “Through its quick detection, precise station-keeping, and efficient recovery systems, ICGS Samudra Pratap will further strengthen capabilities. It will ensure that pollution incidents are controlled in a timely manner, preventing damage to coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity. This is directly linked to the sustainability of coastal communities and the blue economy,” he said.
Emphasising that a clean sea guarantees safe trade, safe lives, and a safe environment, Singh stated that platforms such as ICGS Samudra Pratap provide confidence that India not only understands its maritime responsibilities, but is fully prepared to fulfill them. He asserted that the commissioning of Samudra Pratap is linked to India’s Grand Maritime Vision. “We believe that marine resources are not the property of any one country, but a shared heritage of humanity. And when the heritage is shared, the responsibility of its protection is also shared. This is why India stands firmly on the world stage today with the principles of Peace, Stability, and Environmental Responsibility,” he said.
On the current period of Global Maritime Uncertainty, Singh said that India has repeatedly proven that it secures not only its own interests, but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. This approach makes India a Responsible Maritime Power, he added.
