Leverage global demand to make India a defence manufacturing hub: Rajnath Singh

Chennai: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday urged Indian Industries to take advantage of the reform measures taken by the Central government and the global market potential, to work towards making the country a defence manufacturing hub for the world.

Speaking at an event to commission the Indian Coast Guard's ship 'ICGS Vigraha' on Saturday, Singh pointed out that due to global security reasons, border disputes, and maritime dominance, countries around the world are moving towards modernising and strengthening their military power.

The Defence Minister highlighted that the world is changing very rapidly with economic, political, and trade relations between the countries constantly fluctuating and India cannot be untouched by the developments happening in another country as its interests are directly linked to the Indian Ocean.

"The Indian Ocean region, with more than two-thirds of the world's oil shipments taking place, one-third of bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic, serves as a key route in achieving the world's own interests," Singh said.

He said the demand for military equipment is increasing continuously and as per reports by 2023, the expenditure on security around the world is going to reach $2.1 trillion and is expected to increase further.

According to him, today's changing world certainly impacts these areas as well and as such, we need to be vigilant at all times.

The Coast Guard's new patrol vessel 98 metres Vigraha will be based at Visakhapatnam and operate on India's Eastern Seaboard.

The ship, on joining the Coast Guard Eastern fleet, will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard Charter to safeguard the country's maritime interests.

The ICG, with this ship joining the fleet, will have 157 ships and 66 aircraft in its inventory. Apart from having 40/60 Bofors guns and other guns, the ship is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats.

The ship can also carry pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane, Director General Indian Coast Guard K Natarajan and other senior dignitaries of the central and state governments.