JAN : 6 Marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards Aatmanirbharta in defence and maritime infrastructure, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap in Goa on January 5, 2026. The vessel is the first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking.
The commissioning of Samudra Pratap represents a major leap in indigenous shipbuilding and reinforces India’s growing capability to design, develop and deploy complex maritime platforms within the country. With over 60 per cent indigenous content, the vessel stands as a shining example of the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence sector.
ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and is also the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet to date. The vessel has been specifically designed to address marine pollution emergencies such as oil spills and chemical hazards, while also supporting maritime safety, environmental protection and disaster response operations across India’s vast coastline and exclusive economic zone.
Speaking on the occasion, the commissioning was described as a strategic asset for the nation, enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s operational preparedness and environmental response capability. The induction of such specialised vessels reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests while upholding international environmental responsibilities.
The ship has been equipped with state-of-the-art pollution response systems, advanced navigation and communication equipment, and modern machinery that enables it to operate efficiently in challenging sea conditions. Its design and construction by GSL underline the growing competence of Indian shipyards in delivering technologically advanced and mission-critical platforms.
Goa Shipyard Limited has played a crucial role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. The successful completion of Samudra Pratap highlights the synergy between the Indian Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defence and domestic industry, ensuring that strategic requirements are met through homegrown solutions.
Beyond its pollution control role, Samudra Pratap will also support humanitarian assistance, search and rescue operations, and capacity building during maritime emergencies. This multi-role capability adds to the operational flexibility of the Indian Coast Guard, which remains a key pillar in maintaining coastal security and maritime governance.
The commissioning comes at a time when India is placing renewed emphasis on maritime security, blue economy development and sustainable use of ocean resources. Strengthening indigenous capabilities in shipbuilding not only enhances national security but also contributes to economic growth, employment generation and technological self-reliance.
As India continues to expand its naval and coast guard infrastructure, platforms like ICGS Samudra Pratap symbolize a confident and self-reliant nation, capable of protecting its maritime environment and strategic interests. The induction of the vessel marks another step forward in India’s long-term vision of becoming a global leader in indigenous defence manufacturing and maritime capability
