Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, describing it as a significant boost to India’s maritime security, environmental protection capabilities, and the country’s broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The vessel was formally commissioned on Monday, January 5, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Samudra Pratap is the first of two Pollution Control Vessels being inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and marks a major milestone for the service, both in terms of scale and technological sophistication.
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said the commissioning was noteworthy on multiple fronts. He highlighted that the ship strengthens India’s security apparatus, advances the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, and underscores the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. With more than 60 per cent indigenous content, Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet to date.
The induction of the ship is expected to substantially enhance the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, particularly in pollution control, firefighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection. It will also improve the ICG’s ability to undertake long-duration surveillance and response missions across India’s extensive maritime zones, which include a vast coastline and critical shipping lanes.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described ICGS Samudra Pratap as a clear reflection of the maturity and strength of India’s defence industrial ecosystem. He praised the domestic industry’s growing ability to manage complex manufacturing challenges efficiently and at scale.
While the vessel has been specifically designed for pollution control operations, Singh underlined that its role extends well beyond a single mission profile. “Multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, making the ship equally effective for coastal patrol, maritime safety, and emergency response,” he said. He also credited Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), which built the vessel, for adopting a modern and flexible approach to address evolving maritime challenges.
The Defence Minister commended the Indian Coast Guard for its multidimensional role, ranging from marine pollution response and coastal cleanliness initiatives to search and rescue operations and maritime law enforcement. He said the professionalism and readiness demonstrated by the Coast Guard send a clear signal to adversaries that any attempt to threaten India’s maritime interests would be met with a firm and decisive response.
Samudra Pratap is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, specialised pollution response boats, and state-of-the-art firefighting equipment. The ship also features a helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities, significantly expanding its operational reach and effectiveness during surveillance, rescue, and disaster-response missions.
Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the vessel’s advanced design would allow it to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, offering a crucial advantage during real-life emergencies. He emphasised that protecting the marine environment is not only a strategic requirement but also a moral responsibility, particularly in the context of climate change and global warming.
Highlighting India’s growing stature in maritime environmental protection, the Defence Minister noted that the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in oil spill response, firefighting, and salvage operations place the country among a select group of nations with advanced environmental response infrastructure. He added that ICGS Samudra Pratap, with its quick detection, precise station-keeping, and efficient recovery systems, would further strengthen these capabilities.
By enabling timely control of pollution incidents, the vessel is expected to play a vital role in safeguarding coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity. Singh stressed that such protection is directly linked to the sustainability of coastal communities and the long-term growth of India’s blue economy.
