New Delhi: In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has commissioned Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Sajag constructed by Goa shipyard limited through digital means and dedicated it to the Nation for safeguarding our Maritime interests.
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Indian Coast Guard Director General K Natarajan and CMD Goa shipyard Cmde BB Nagpal (Retd) were among those who attended the event.
In his address Doval brought out that the concept of forming ICG came in to being post 1971 war, when it was assessed that maritime borders are equally vital as land borders.
The blueprint for a multi-dimension Coast Guard was conceived by the visionary Rustamji Committee even as the United Nations Convention of the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) was being negotiated and India’s assets off Mumbai high were growing.
The ICG, which was created through an Act of Parliament in 1978, has traversed a long journey in the last four decades.
He commended Goa shipyard for indigenously developing ships for the Maritime Armed forces on time with state-of-the-art machinery and latest technology sensors and equipment that will enable ICG to undertake varied charter of duties within and beyond Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
ICG ships are being built within the country in various shipyards, including private yard in line with GoI’s vision of ‘Make in India’. NSA was impressed to witness the ICG OPV Sajag, which was looking magnificent during the commissioning ceremony.
ICG is a multifarious force, undertaking concurrent operations and being the first responder for any developing situation at sea. Their personnel work in very diverse conditions and circumstances to safeguard the vast coastline.
Doval lauded Coast Guard for the support to Coastal populace, as also to undertake diverse roles like Rescue operations during cyclones, marine pollution response and anti-narco operations.
He said that Indian Coast Guard has contributed significantly towards Saving precious lives at sea in the recent disaster in Mumbai High. He said that ICG plays an important role for supporting the neighbouring countries in IoR.
He also said that this lean and visible service plays critical role in anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics, both nationally and internationally. The service has recently undertaken various pollution response, firefighting and interdiction operations beyond IoR, when called upon by littoral countries.
Director General K Natarajan also briefed the NSA about the massive firefighting operation being undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard onboard a container vessel X-Press Pearl off Colombo. Looking at the onsite clips, Shri Doval praised the efforts of the service, showcasing its reach and professionalism.
Referring to ICG being the 4th largest in the world with almost 160 ships and 62 aircraft, he was pleased with MoD’s efforts to make this maritime service as one of the premium Coast Guards of the world with 200 ships and 100 aircraft.
