Rajnath commissions Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Varaha’

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on March 14, 2020, 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’ at Chennai, Tamilnadu.

He 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)’, Rajnath said, as a responsible maritime power, oceans have been the Government’s foremost policy priorities.He 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, according to a PIB release.

Rajnath 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.”

Appreciating the important role played by private players in the indigenisation of shipbuilding technology, Rajnath urged them to develop naval equipment of stringent standards. He said the Government has taken a conscious decision to encourage other shipyards, including private yards, to enter the specialised field of warship-construction. He termed the response as encouraging. “There are not many countries in the world having capability to produce such a wide variety of warships ranging from Fast Attack Craft to Aircraft Carrier,” The Defence Minister added.