'Sardar
Patel', the latest Naval establishment of Indian Navy, was commissioned
at Porbandar, Gujarat by Smt. Anandiben Patel, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of
Gujarat today 09 May 15. The commissioning ceremony was
attended by Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral SPS
Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding–in–Chief, Western Naval Command, senior naval
officers and other dignitaries of the state government. The
event marked yet another important milestone in the Navy's efforts to augment
the security infrastructure in the coastal states and islands.
The
commissioning ceremony was marked by traditional gaiety and naval precision. As
a part of the ceremony, the Hon'ble Chief Minister named the establishment INS Sardar
Patel , after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of
India and unveiled the commissioning plaque as well as a marble bust of the
“Ironman of India”. Commodore BR Prakash, Commanding Officer, read out the
Commissioning Warrant and the naval ensign was hoisted as the Western Naval
Command band played the national anthem.
Speaking
on the occasion, Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, noted that the
commissioning of a full-fledged naval base Sardar Patel was
another milestone in the commitment of the Indian Navy towards augmenting the
coastal surveillance and maritime security infrastructure in the strategically
important state of Gujarat. The Admiral also complimented the crew of the INS Sardar
Patel and exhorted them to do their best in discharge of their
responsibilities.
Addressing
the gathering, the Hon'ble CM of Gujarat highlighted the maritime heritage of
the State of Gujarat, which traces its origin to the Harappan civilization. She
brought out that the economic development of Gujarat was intrinsically linked
to the sea. She acknowledged the Indian Navy's role towards ensuring India's
maritime security and brought out that the State Govt of Gujarat will provide
all support to the Navy in their quest for strengthening coastal and maritime
security.
The
commissioning of INS Sardar Patel at Porbandar would enable the
Indian Navy to qualitatively augment its infrastructure and organisational
effectiveness in the State of Gujarat, which would improve coordination and
synergy with other maritime agencies of the Government. This Forward Operating
Base (FOB) of Indian Navy in Gujarat and the Headquarters of the Naval
Officer-in-Charge (Gujarat, Diu & Daman) would also enhance the logistic
support being provided to the Indian Navy units deployed in the Northern
Arabian Sea, including along the International Maritime Boundary Line with
Pakistan.
Gujarat
has a coastline of 1600 km interspersed with 43 ports. Of these, besides Kandla
being a major port, 11 are intermediate and 31 are minor ports. In addition,
there are 12 single point moorings (SPMs) in the Gulf of Kutch. Presently 120
million tons, i.e. 71% of the country’s oil and 73% of gas is imported though
the Gulf of Kutch, which is only steadily increasing. The ports of Gujarat
handle 300 million tons of cargo annually, which is 43% of the total maritime
trade handled by the various ports of India. In addition, the industrial
development of Gujarat, with its high maritime component and considerable
industrial infrastructure on seafront, makes it vulnerable from sea not only
during hostilities but also during peacetime. The economic importance of this
frontal maritime state, in the overall national security dynamics, is the core
factor governing sustenance and operation of naval assets from the Forward
Operating Naval base at Porbandar.
The
events of 26/11 have added a new dimension to the coastal security construct,
which has enhanced responsibility, and need for continued naval presence in
this area. The commissioning of INS Sardar Patel and augmentation
of infrastructure and assets will provide the necessary impetus to meet this
role.
The
name Sardar Patel has been aptly chosen to signify the role of
Shri Vallabhai Patel, the first Deputy PM and Home Minister of India, Sardar
Patel popularly known as the Ironman of India, was a towering personality from
Gujarat and one of the founding Fathers of the Republic of India. He was
responsible for forging a united India from the British colonial provinces
allocated to India and more than five hundred self-governing princely states,
released from British suzerainty.
Cmde
BR Prakash, VSM who is the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Gujarat, Diu & Daman)
is the first Commanding Officer of INS Sardar Patel.
________________________________________________________________
DKS/PDG
26/15