'Coast Guard vital in safeguarding India's maritime interest'

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has played a major role in safeguarding the maritime interest of the country, Director General of ICG Rajendra Singh said today.
Addressing a gathering after Commissioning the Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) of ICG Ship 'Rani Gaidinliu' at Coast Guard Jetty here, he said the changing security Scenario in the Maritime domain dictates the need for coastal security on a 24X7 basis where the coast guard have to maintain a constant vigil.
Singh said the Indian Coast Guard's fleet Strength has gone to 123 Ships and 62 Aircraft From 1997.
He said ICG ship Rani Gaidinliu, named after the freedom fighter from Manipur, will Primarily focus on surveillance at the sea, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling operations, protection of fishermen, beside the routine Search and Rescue Operations.

ICGS Rani Gaidinliu is the fourth of its class and has been designed and build ingeniously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
The Vessel is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated Navigational and Communication sensors and equipment, Singh said.
It is 51-metre in length, 330 tonnes displacement, capable of achieving maximum speed of 34 knots. The ship is fitted with the state-of-the-art communication, navigational equipment and 30 mm CRN-91 gun on-board as main armament. It will be based at the Krishnapatanam Port.
Indian Coast Guard Region (East) Inspector General, Rajan Bargotra, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur Gaikhangam, Flag Officers and other civilian officers also attended the function.