Panaji

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday commissioned Samudra Pratap, the Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously designed and constructed pollution control vessel, marking a significant milestone for India’s maritime capabilities. The ceremony was held at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco, South Goa.

Built by GSL, the 114.5-metre-long ship incorporates more than 60 per cent indigenous content. Officials said the 4,200-tonne vessel is capable of achieving speeds exceeding 22 knots and has an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles.

The ship is designed to play a vital role in enforcing marine pollution control norms, conducting maritime law enforcement, supporting search and rescue missions, and protecting India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessel had been formally handed over to the Coast Guard by GSL in December.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani were among those present at the commissioning ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said the induction of Samudra Pratap aligns with India’s long-term maritime vision. He underlined that oceans and marine resources belong to humanity as a whole and not to any single nation.

“When heritage is shared, responsibility is also shared. That is why India today stands as a responsible maritime power,” the Defence Minister said.

Singh also highlighted the government’s focus on increasing the participation of women in defence services, noting that the Coast Guard has taken meaningful steps in this direction.

He said women officers are now entrusted with key roles, including pilot, observer, air traffic controller and logistics officer. In addition, they are undergoing training for hovercraft operations and are being deployed in frontline missions.

“Women today are not confined to support functions alone. They are actively serving as frontline warriors,” Singh said.

According to an official Coast Guard statement, the commissioning of Samudra Pratap represents a major advancement in India’s push for atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in shipbuilding and the development of indigenous maritime capabilities.

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Named Samudra Pratap, meaning “Majesty of the Seas,” the vessel symbolises the Coast Guard’s commitment to maintaining safe, secure and pollution-free seas while protecting India’s maritime interests. The ship stands as a testament to India’s growing expertise in indigenous ship design and construction, the statement added.