Modi commissions India-built ship in Mauritius

An India-built patrol vessel, Coast Guard Ship Barracuda, the first such ship to be exported by India, was commissioned here on Thursday by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Anerood Jugnauth.

Commissioning the vessel, Modi, who climbed on board the ship later, said the event reflects the bilateral partnership "that has stood the test of time".

Modi said the ship was a "symbol of our shared commitment to peace and security in Indian Ocean - our common maritime home".

He said the Barracuda would protect the Mauritian islands and waters and help in times of disasters and emergencies.

"But, she will do more than that. She will also help make our Indian Ocean safer and more secure. In doing so, Mauritius will fulfill an important international responsibility. Because, the Indian Ocean is critical to the future of the world," he said.

The Mauritian government had placed an order for an Indian Offshore Patrol Vessel in 2011. The Barracuda is the first such ship that India has exported.

The ship was constructed by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. in Kolkata. It weighs 1,350 tonnes, and is 74 metres in length. It was acquired by Mauritian authorities at Rs.1.9 billion. Its maximum speed is recorded at 22 knots and it is equipped with a helipad.

The ship will be used to carry out anti-piracy and anti-drug operations and used for the protection of the exclusive economic zone of the island.

Modi said the Indian Ocean, through which most of the world's trade passes, was at the centre of global attention more than ever before.

"We also see growing global stakes and presence in the (Indian) Ocean," he said.

"We will all prosper when the seas are safe, secure and free for all. To ensure this will be our greatest collective responsibility," he said.

The prime minister said India will be more dependent than before on the ocean and the surrounding regions.

India will "do everything to safeguard our mainland and islands and defend our interests" and also work to ensure a safe, secure and stable Indian Ocean Region, he said.

"Second, we will deepen our economic and security cooperation with our friends in the region, especially our maritime neighbours and island states. We will also continue to build their maritime security capacities and their economic strength."

"Three, collective action and cooperation will best advance peace and security in our maritime region. It will also prepare us better to respond to emergencies," he said.

India also seeks a more integrated and cooperative future in the region that enhances the prospects for sustainable development for all, he said.

Modi said India was deeply engaged with the nations of the Indian Ocean Region.

"We do this through dialogue, visits, exercises, capacity building and economic partnership. We seek a future for Indian Ocean that lives up to the name of SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region," he said.