Marine resources not the property of any one country: Rajnath Singh in Goa

Singh said platforms such as 'Samudra Pratap' give confidence that India understands its maritime responsibilities and is fully prepared to fulfil them.(@rajnathsingh/X)

Stressing that marine resources are not the property of any one country, but a shared heritage, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Monday India is a responsible maritime power, which ensures peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region.

Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Samudra Pratap’, the first of two pollution control vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in Goa Monday. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Singh said: “When the world is going through a phase of global maritime uncertainty, time and again, India has proven it [secures] not only its own interests…but also ensures peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region. India’s vision of taking everyone along makes us a responsible maritime power”.

“This occasion of commissioning of ‘Samudra Pratap’ is linked to India’s grand maritime vision, which believes 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,” he said.

Emphasising the crucial role played by the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding the country, Singh said: “Whenever there is any crisis at sea, whether an oil spill or fire on a ship or a threat to life, the Coast Guard is the first to respond”. He said the Indian Coast Guard’s multi-dimensional role has sent a clear message to India’s adversaries that if they dare to cast an evil eye on India’s maritime borders or attempt any misadventure, it will be met with a bold and befitting response.

Hailing it as a major step forward in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding and maritime capability development, the Minister said that with over 60 percent indigenous content, ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the Coast Guard fleet to date.

Singh said the vessel has 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 percent.

“I am told that ‘Samudra Pratap’ has been specially designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this alone. The ship will prove to be effective in search and rescue operations, coastal patrol and strengthen maritime safety,” he said.

Singh said in recent years, marine pollution has emerged as a serious global challenge. He said amidst the challenges of climate change and global warming, marine environment protection is not just a strategic necessity, but a moral responsibility. “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,” he said.

Acknowledging the Coast Guard’s efforts for moving towards an inclusive and gender-neutral work environment, he said it is a matter of pride that women officers are being appointed as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers, logistics officers and law officers, while being trained for hovercraft operations and being deployed in frontline operations. “The two women officers appointed to ICGS Samudra Pratap are role models for future generations,” he added.