India’s Maritime Outreach: ICGS Sankalp Strengthens Indian Ocean Engagement

Why in News ?

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sankalp recently visited Port Louis, Mauritius, as part of its overseas deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reflecting India’s continued commitment to maritime cooperation and regional security.

Background: India’s Expanding Maritime Diplomacy in the IOR

• The Indian Ocean Region is central to India’s strategic and economic interests, hosting vital sea lanes of communication and regional trade routes.
• India has increasingly used naval and coast guard deployments as tools of maritime diplomacy, disaster response cooperation, and capacity building with friendly nations.
• ICGS Sankalp’s port call in Mauritius aligns with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and broader efforts to ensure a free, open, and secure maritime commons.

About ICGS Sankalp

• ICGS Sankalp is the 5th Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) of the Indian Coast Guard and was commissioned in 2008.
• The vessel is indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited, reflecting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative.

Roles and Operational Functions

The ship is primarily designed for:

• Extended maritime surveillance
• Protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
• Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
• Enforcement of maritime laws within India’s vast oceanic domains

These roles place ICGS Sankalp at the forefront of maritime safety, security, and humanitarian operations.

Key Features of ICGS Sankalp

Navigation and Communication Systems

The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art navigational and communication sensors and advanced operational equipment, enabling sustained missions in distant maritime zones.

Aviation Capability

It can embark:

• Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)
• Chetak helicopters

This enhances its surveillance reach, rapid response capacity, and rescue operations.

Armament Systems

The primary armament includes:

• Two 30 mm CRN-91 twin-barrel naval guns
• These are designed for surface engagement and are controlled by an integrated fire control system, providing precise and effective defensive and enforcement capabilities.

Interceptor Boat Deployment

The vessel is fitted with davits to deploy up to five high-speed interceptor boats, allowing rapid interception, boarding operations, and law enforcement missions at sea.

Strategic Significance of the Port Visit

The visit of ICGS Sankalp to Mauritius:

• Strengthens bilateral maritime cooperation
• Enhances interoperability between coast guard forces
• Supports regional capacity building
• Reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean

Such deployments also contribute to joint exercises, information sharing, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) preparedness.