Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for a proactive coordination among all agencies and stakeholders involved in coastal security to achieve the common goal of national security. He was addressing a gathering at the Commissioning Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Varaha’ in Chennai today.
Defence Minister exuded confidence that ICGS ‘Varaha’ will further strengthen the Coast Guard fleet in responding to the threats of maritime terrorism, smuggling and challenges of maritime law enforcement. He hoped that ICGS ‘Varaha’ will enhance the surveillance and patrolling capabilities of Indian Coast Guard and reinforce their role as ‘Sentinels of our Seas’.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’, Defence Minister said, as a responsible maritime power, oceans have been the Government’s foremost policy priorities.
Defence Minister described ICGS ’Varaha’ as a fine example of collaboration with industry and ‘Make in India’ where Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shipbuilding has played a very important role in production and maintenance of our sea-based assets.
Rajnath Singh said, “the name ‘Varaha’ is taken from Puranas, who was the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu which took the form of Boar to protect mother earth by carrying her out of the sea on his tusks. It reminds us of the principle of sacrifice and rescue in the duty of saving mother earth”.
Defence Minister also stressed on the need to ensure availability of world class assets, both commercial vessels & warships, in adequate numbers to achieve maritime supremacy. He said, there is no other way of providing the needed numbers than having a strong and vibrant shipbuilding industry.
“Great fleets cannot be just bought, they have to be built”, said Defence Minister.
Trilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar between the navies of India, Japan and USA begins tomorrow
