ICGS Varaha: Rajnath Singh commissions new Offshore Patrol Vessel

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

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

Speaking about the growing threat of maritime, Singh said the 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 engagement with the world has seen exponential growth and today the coast guard is at the fulcrum, operating around the clock for safeguarding national interest in the maritime zones of India apart from building bridges of confidence at sea for the safety, security and growth in the Indian ocean.

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'ICGS Varaha'

The ICG launched a new OPV ICGS Varaha at L&T Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is fourth in the series of 98 M OPVs designed and built by L&T. It is fitted with advanced technology navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery. Its weaponry includes one 30 mm, and two 12.7 mm guns with a fire control system. The 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, the ship has capabilities of carrying limited Pollution Response equipment to contain oil spill at Sea. The ship is planned to be based at New Mangalore under the administrative and operational control of Coast Guard Commander (West) Region.

(with PTI inputs)

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