ICGS Varaha: Rajnath Singh commissions new Offshore Patrol Vessel

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 'Varaha' at Chennai Port Trust. Defence Minister said  ship was going to be a force multiplier for Indian Coast Guard, pointing out that it has capabilities to operate twin-engine vanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Helicopters developed indigeusly by HAL. Singh, who arrived in Chennai on Tuesday on a two-day visit, participated in Investiture Ceremony of Coast Guard. "It is indeed reassuring to witness growing strength of Indian Coast Guard, 'Sentinals of our seas' and capabilities of Larsen and Toubro Shipbuilding Ltd one of strong supporting pillars for production and maintenance of surface assets of our maritime forces," Rajnath Singh said.

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'Varaha Reminds Me of  Principle of Sacrifice and Rescue at Sea'

While discussing name of vessel, Defence Minister claimed that name 'Varaha' from Puranas reminded him of principle of sacrifice and rescue at sea, saving mor Earth, restoring harmony and strength. He also congratulated Indian Coast Guard and L&T shipyard for bringing ICGS Varaha back overseas.

Speaking about growing threat of maritime, Singh said Coast Guard entered into a memorandum of understanding with seven maritime nations for capacity-building training and cooperative response to deal with Maritime threats. India's engment with world has seen exponential growth and today coast guard is at fulcrum, operating around clock for safeguarding national interest in maritime zones of India apart from building bridges of confidence at sea for safety, security and growth in Indian ocean.

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'ICGS Varaha'

ICG launched a new OPV ICGS Varaha at L&T Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, Tamil Nu. It is fourth in series of 98 M OPVs designed and built by L&T. It is fitted with vanced techlogy navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery. Its weaponry includes one 30 mm, and two 12.7 mm guns with a fire control system. ship carries four high-speed boats including two rigid hull inflated boats for boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. Besides this, ship has capabilities of carrying limited Pollution Response equipment to contain oil spill at Sea. ship is planned to be based at New Mangalore under  ministrative and operational control of Coast Guard Commander (West) Region.

(with PTI inputs)

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