Dabolim (Goa) [India], January 5 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has made country's coastline untouchable for its enemies. He asserted that the Coast Guard instilled such fear in the minds of enemies that if anyone dared even to cast an eye toward the borders, they wouldn't leave them.

Addressing the Commissioning Ceremony of the ICG's first pollution control vessel, 'Samudra Pratap', Singh said, 'Our Coast Guard has instilled such fear in the minds of our enemies that if anyone dares to even cast an eye toward our borders, the Coast Guard will leave them in no condition to do so again.'

The Defence Minister said the commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap' is linked to country's grand maritime vision, which recognises that marine resources are not the property of any single nation but the shared heritage of humanity.

'When a heritage is shared, the responsibility for its protection is also shared. That is why India today stands firmly on the global stage, guided by the principles of peace, stability, and environmental responsibility,' he said.

Hailing India as a responsible maritime power, the Defence Minister said that, 'At a time when the world is passing through an era of global maritime uncertainty, India has repeatedly proven that it safeguards not only its own interests but also ensures peace and stability across the entire Indo-Pacific region. This inclusive approach of moving forward together is what makes India a responsible maritime power.'

'We must shape norms in the field of maritime governance, strengthen capacity-building initiatives and advance cooperative frameworks. The Indian Coast Guard must elevate its operational doctrines, institutional practices, and technological innovations to such benchmarks that their best practices are followed worldwide,' said the Defence Minister.

'Over the past few years, the Indian Coast Guard has established itself as a regional standard setter. Now is the time to take this role to greater heights and move decisively toward global leadership,' he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Samudra Pratap,' the first of a series of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) being constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was also present on the occasion. (ANI)