1.        It gives me immense pleasure to be present amongst all of you on the occasion of commissioning of state-of-the-art Coast Guard Ship, 'Vigraha' today.

2.        The commissioning of this ship showcases significant improvement in our coastal defense capability as also our ever-increasing 'self-reliance' in the defense sector. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the stakeholders involved in this event.

3.        Friends, I have been told that this ship, which is about 100 meters long, is equipped with the latest technologies of the day. Be it the navigation system or communication equipment, sensors or other installed equipment, all these are going to meet the needs not only of today but also the future for a long time to come.

4.        I will not go into much technical details about the ship, but I will definitely say a couple of things about which I am very happy. First, from its design conception to development, the shipis completely indigenous. And second, that for the first time in the history of Indian defence, contract for not one or two, but seven vessels have been signed with aprivate sector company. And more importantly, within seven years of signing this agreement in 2015, not only launch but also the commissioning of all these seven vessels has been completed today.

5.        I am also told that all these ships have been delivered ahead of schedule. I would like to congratulate Patil ji on this important achievement. It shows that the stream of self-reliance which had started in the country 5-6 years ago, has been continuously moving forward and flourishing since then.

6.        Friends, with the inclusion of these state-of-the-art vessels, the capability of the Indian Coast Guard has increased tremendously. The Journey of growth of our Indian Coast Guard, which began with a modest 5-7 small boats, has today grown to over 20,000 active personnel, over 150 vessels, and a fleet of over 65 aircrafts. Along with that, I have been told, most of the Coast Guard platforms are indigenous, which makes the journey much more fulfilling.

7.        Since its inception, in the last 40-45 years, the Indian Coast Guard has made its mark at the international level by playing a leading role in coastal security as well as in maritime crises, and disasters. Over the years, be it the protection of our fishing community living in our coastal areas, extending assistance to Department of Customs or other similar authorities, protection of our islands and terminals, or scientific data collection and support, you have served the nation, in many ways.

8.        Along with increasing its capability, the coast guard is continuously enhancing the capability of our nation also. It is the result of this augmentation in the security capabilities that we have not suffered any terrorist accident by sea route since the 2008 Mumbai attack.

9.        Not only for our country, the Coast Guard has always been ready to extend help our neighbouring countries in line with the spirit of inclusiveness. During the fire on the heavy cargo tanker 'New Diamond' last year, and the cargo ship 'Express Pearl' this year, you have provided active and timely assistance to Sri Lanka. Had you not done this, I think the consequences would have been unimaginable.

10.      Similarly, I also recall the assistance provided to Mauritius during the oil spill from the 'Wakashio' motor vessel which was very commendable. I am happy to note that in the last two years, in cooperation with ourneighbouring countries, the Coast Guard has recovered goods worth more than ten thousand crore rupees, while dealing with smuggling activities.

11.      As you would be aware, in the 2008 report on Ocean and Law of the Sea, then UN Secretary General outlined seven specific threats to maritime security. These included Piracy, Terrorism, illicit trafficking of arms & narcotics, human trafficking, illegal fishing and damage to environment. All these activities are equally responsible for adversely affecting our maritime domain as they are anywhere else. Similarly, in today's inter-connected world, the activities going on in any part of the world inevitably have an impact on the other parts of the world.

12.      That is, by surmounting the challenges of the coastal areas of India, you are playing an important role not only in the regional interest, but also in the fulfillment of global interests. The success of your endeavours, I believe, is your success as well as the success of our relations with the world, international laws, our efforts to balance the ecology, and our commitments to humanity.

13.      SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision envisaged by our Hon'ble Prime Minister with focus on spirit of friendship, openness, dialogue and co-existence with the neighbours, is being realized by you,with keen sense of duty as its core. 

14.      Friends, today the world is changing very rapidly. Economic, political, and trade relations between countries are constantly fluctuating. Nothing can be said about the next news coming from another country. Obviously, our country can not remain untouched by these developments. This applies all the more to a country live ours, being a country whose interests are directly linked to the Indian Ocean.

15.      The Indian Ocean region, with more than two-thirds of the world's oil shipments take place, one-third of bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic, serves as a key route in achieving the world's own interests. And as I just mentioned, today's changing world certainly impacts these areas as well. As such, we need to be vigilant at all times.

16.      Friends, changes happening around the world often become a matter of concern for us. We, as a nation, must keep our guards high during these times of uncertainties and upheavalsaround the world.

17.      However, these challenging times alsogive us an opportunity, of which we should take an advantage.

18.      Friends, due to global security reasons, border disputes, and maritime dominance, countries around the world are moving towards modernizing and strengthening their military power. The demand for military equipment is increasing continuously. Reports suggest that in the next one or two years, that is, by 2023, the expenditure on security around the world is going to reach 2.1 trillion US dollars. Most of countries do not even have this level of budget for a whole year! And it is expected to increase manifold in the next five years.

19.      In such a situation, today we have great scope to make full use of our capabilities, take advantage of policies, and move towards making the country an indigenous shipbuilding hub.

20.      I am happy to say that considering these possibilities, the government has already brought out such policies which helps our domestic industry, be it public or private sector entity, to become world class players.

21.      Various such reforms have been made by the government which includes simplification of the process of licensing in the defence sector, accelerating the AoN and RFP processes, emphasizing on exports, encouraging private sectors, establishing defence corridors, promulgation of the newDefence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) -2020, and many more. Taking advantage of these, our companies can work towards making India a defence manufacturing hub, not only for ourselves, but for the whole world. On the 75th anniversary of Independence, it should be our resolve to move forward in this direction.

22.      Friends, today, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Independence, it is our commitment to move forward towards fulfilling the dreams of our national heroes and ancestors, the great men. And I feel very happy and proud to say, that we are moving fast on the path of Swadeshi, National Integration and Self-reliance in Defense Sector as shown by Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.

23.      When I was told that 'Advance Light Helicopter' manufactured by HAL can also be operated on this ship, I found it not just as a feature of this ship. I saw that it as a symbol of how the government, coast guard, and public and private sector together can protect the integrity and sovereignty of this country. I believe it is this comprehensiveness and co-ordination in national security which was envisioned by the founding fathers of our nation. In this way, I see the Indian Coast Guard playing its unique role.

24.      For this role, for the first time in the history of defence, ICG has been awarded the 'Defence Minister's Appreciation Letter' this year. It is a matter of great happiness for you as well as for me personally. I congratulate you all again for this.

25.      Friends, the journey that started from 'Vikram' between the Ministry of Defence, Coast Guard and L&T has reached 'Vigraha' today through 'Vijay', 'Veer', 'Varaha', 'Varad' and 'Vajra'. In future the Coast Guard, with distinctive capabilities, will overcome all challenges, and be victorious in all its endeavors, it is my belief.

26.      I wonder how many of you know this, but the word ‘विग्रह’ hasvery beautiful interpretations in our texts. On the one hand, its meaning has been told to be ‘free from any kind of bondage’, on the other hand, it has also been interpreted to mean the specific ‘bondage of one's duty and obligations’. It has been said that ‘रामोविग्रहवान्धर्म:'. That is, Ram is Ram because he is bound by his Dharma (duty) and मर्यादा. It is my firm belief that this 'विग्रह’ of ours, completely free from the shackles of any kind of challenges, and having specific bonds of service and duties to the nation, will become a successful watchdog of the coastal borders of our country.

27.      While not saying anything more on this occasion, I once again congratulate all of you. On behalf of the government, I wish you all success in your future endeavours, while assuring all kind of cooperation.

Thank you to all.

जय हिंद!

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