Daily News Analysis

ICGS Sarthak

stylish_lining

The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarthak), an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), recently made a port call at Chabahar, Iran. This visit reflects India’s expanding maritime diplomacy and its commitment to regional maritime security in the western Indian Ocean.

About ICGS Sarthak

ICGS Sarthak is a modern multi-mission Offshore Patrol Vessel built to carry out a wide range of coast guard and maritime security operations.

Construction and Commissioning

ICGS Sarthak is the fourth vessel in a series of five OPVs being constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The ship was commissioned on 28 October 2021.

Design and Technical Specifications

The vessel is 105 metres long with a displacement of 2,450 tonnes. It is powered by two 9,100-kilowatt diesel engines, enabling it to achieve a maximum speed of 26 knots. The ship is equipped with advanced machinery, sensors, and weapon systems.

Advanced Onboard Systems

ICGS Sarthak features an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and an Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS). These systems allow centralized navigation, monitoring, and control, enabling the ship to operate efficiently as a command platform during missions.

Operational Roles and Capabilities

The ship is capable of conducting concurrent multi-mission operations. Its key roles include:

  • Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

  • Combating maritime crimes such as smuggling and piracy.

  • Protection and preservation of the marine environment.

  • Enforcement of maritime laws within India’s maritime zones.

Base and Area of Operations

ICGS Sarthak is based at Porbandar in Gujarat and operates along India’s western seaboard. It functions under the operational and administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).

Crew Composition

The ship has a crew strength of 11 officers and 110 personnel, ensuring sustained operational readiness at sea.

Significance of the Chabahar Port Call

The port call at Chabahar is significant as it strengthens India–Iran maritime engagement, enhances regional cooperation, and supports India’s strategic interests in the western Indian Ocean region. It also demonstrates the Indian Coast Guard’s role in maritime diplomacy beyond national waters.

Conclusion

ICGS Sarthak is a key asset of the Indian Coast Guard, combining advanced technology, multi-mission capability, and strategic reach. Its visit to Chabahar, Iran, underscores India’s growing maritime presence and commitment to secure, cooperative, and rules-based seas.


 

Sovereign Green Bonds and Greenium

India’s sovereign green bond market is gaining momentum as strong investor demand has pushed these bonds to trade at a persistent greenium compared with conventional government securities. T
Share It

India’s Professional Services Sector

NITI Aayog released a comprehensive report titled “India’s Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services”. The report examines the regulatory framework
Share It

Domestic Violence in India

Domestic violence refers to abusive behaviour within a domestic relationship that is used to control, intimidate or harm another person. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and economi
Share It

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to establish a uniform and predictable fiscal framework for the mining sector by restricting State-level taxes, cesses and other levies on mineral rights and mi
Share It

Startup India

Startup India is a flagship Government of India initiative aimed at creating a startup-friendly ecosystem, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, generating employment and promoting sustaina
Share It

Shifting Cultivation

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn or swidden farming, is an indigenous agricultural system in which farmers clear and burn small forest patches, cultivate them for a few years, an
Share It

Presidential System of Government

A Presidential System is a form of government in which the President is both the Head of State and Head of Government. The President leads the executive and generally functions independently of th
Share It

India–Nepal Relations

India–Nepal relations represent one of South Asia’s closest bilateral partnerships, shaped by open borders, civilisational ties, economic interdependence and people-to-people contacts.
Share It

Ease of Living in India: 2014–2026

Housing and Urban Transformation Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has significantly expanded affordable housing in both rural and urban India. Under PMAY-Urban, more than 1.25 crore houses hav
Share It

Geographical Indication (GI) Tags in India

Why in News? Geographical Indication (GI) tags are increasingly being used to protect India’s cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and local products by linking them to their geograph
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS