Why in news?
As part of India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) vision, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sankalp called at Port Louis, Mauritius, in January 2026. The offshore patrol vessel is on an overseas deployment to friendly nations and will conduct joint drills and community outreach with the National Coast Guard of Mauritius. Women officers are among the crew, highlighting gender inclusion in maritime forces.
Background
Sankalp is the lead ship of the Sankalp‑class Offshore Patrol Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited and commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard in 2008. Designed and constructed in India, the vessel showcases the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It performs surveillance, search‑and‑rescue, pollution response and anti‑piracy missions in the exclusive economic zone and beyond.
Specifications
- Dimensions: The vessel is about 105 metres long with a beam of 12.9 metres and a draft of 3.6 metres. Its displacement is roughly 1,830 tonnes when light and 2,325 tonnes when fully loaded.
- Performance: Powered by two diesel engines, Sankalp can achieve a top speed of around 23–24 knots and has a range of 6,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. It carries a crew of about 128, including 15 officers.
- Armament and equipment: The ship is armed with two 30 mm CRN‑91 naval guns and two 12.7 mm heavy machine guns for law‑enforcement tasks. It features advanced navigation, communication and firefighting systems and can operate a helicopter from its flight deck.
Port call to Mauritius
- The visit is part of an overseas deployment covering Mauritius and Seychelles. It underscores India’s commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
- During the port call, the crew will engage in professional exchanges, including firefighting and damage‑control drills, oil spill response exercises and vessel boarding operations. Friendly sports and community service activities are also planned.
- The presence of women officers highlights progress toward gender parity in the Indian Coast Guard. It also demonstrates India’s emphasis on inclusive maritime security.
- After Mauritius, Sankalp will proceed to Seychelles for similar engagements, enhancing interoperability with regional coast guards.
Significance
The deployment strengthens India’s maritime ties with island nations, promotes capacity‑building and showcases indigenously built vessels. It aligns with the SAGAR doctrine, which seeks security and prosperity for all countries in the Indian Ocean region. Through joint exercises, the visit enhances preparedness for search‑and‑rescue, pollution response and maritime law enforcement.
Sources: DD News
