After the Indian Navy, now the deployment of women in the ships of the Indian Coast Guard has started. For the first time, two women officers have been deployed in the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution control vessel ICGS Samudri-Pratap. Marine Pratap was inducted into the Coast Guard on Monday (January 5, 2025) in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Samudra-Pratap, built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), is the first of two pollution control vessels. Built with more than 60 per cent indigenous components, Samudra Pratap is the country’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and is the largest vessel in the Indian Coast Guard fleet to date.
The induction of Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the operational capability of the Indian Coast Guard in pollution control, fire fighting, maritime security and environmental protection. It will also strengthen India’s ability to conduct extended surveillance and response operations in vast maritime areas.
Defense Minister addressed the commissioning ceremony
Addressing the naval personnel at the commissioning ceremony held in Goa on Monday (January 5, 2025), Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said, ‘Samudra Pratap has been specifically designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this only. Due to integration of multiple capabilities in a single platform, this ship will prove to be effective in coastal patrol and strengthen maritime security.
He said, ‘This is the result of the modern approach adopted by Goa Shipyard Limited, which aims to increase flexibility and readiness to deal with the current maritime challenges.’
Defense Minister praised Indian Coast Guard
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Coast Guard for playing a multi-faceted role, from marine pollution to coastal sanitation, search and rescue to maritime law enforcement. He said, ‘The way the Coast Guard is discharging its duties, a clear message has been given to the enemies of the country that if they dare to cast an evil eye on India’s maritime borders or do any kind of misadventure, they will be given a befitting reply.’
The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, special boats to deal with pollution and modern fire-fighting capabilities. It also has helicopter hangars and aviation support facilities, which can significantly increase its reach and effectiveness. Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that due to these capabilities, the ship will be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, which will bring great benefits in actual operations.
Today women are being deployed on the front lines – Rajnath
For the first time, there will be two women officers on this ship. Lauding the ICG for promoting inclusivity and gender equality in line with the government’s vision, the Defense Minister said, ‘It is a matter of pride that today women officers are being appointed as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers, logistics officers and law officers, besides being trained in hovercraft operations and being actively deployed on the front lines.’
He said, ‘Today women are not only playing a supporting role, but are also serving the nation as warriors on the frontline. Both the women officers appointed in Samudra Pratap of the Indian Coast Guard are role models for the future generations. Indian Coast Guard will continue to be a source of opportunities and development for all.
India ensures peace in the entire Indo-Pacific region – Defense Minister
The Defense Minister said, ‘In the current era of global maritime uncertainty, India has time and again proved that it not only protects its interests but also ensures the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. This approach makes India a responsible maritime power.
Praising the self-reliance efforts of the Indian Coast Guard, Rajnath Singh said, ‘The government’s slogan of self-reliant India has now become a part of the working style. In line with Make-in-India and Self-reliant India initiatives, the Indian Coast Guard has played an important role in promoting indigenous resources. Today our Coast Guard ships and aircraft are being manufactured, maintained and repaired in the country itself. This is a big achievement in itself.
The Defense Minister stressed the importance for the Indian Coast Guard to transform from a platform-centric force to an intelligence-based and integration-centric force to meet the current challenges. He also stressed the need to develop specific career streams within the Indian Coast Guard in areas such as maritime law enforcement, environmental protection and maritime cyber security.
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