An India-built naval patrol vessel for Mauritius that will help in better policing its vast exclusive economic zone was commissioned today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said it will make the Indian Ocean "more safer and secure".
The induction of the 1,300-tonne vessel 'Barracuda' for the Mauritian National Coast Guard amid attempts by China to establish its presence in the Indian Ocean Region marks the first of such sales to this strategic island nation which include fast attack craft under construction in Indian shipyards.
"Barracuda is a beautiful ship. She is also very capable and built to specifications of Mauritius... She will protect your islands and your waters," Modi said after commissioning the ship at Quay 'A' of Port Louis harbour in the presence of his Mauritian counterpart Aneerod Jugnauth.
"She will be there to help in times of disasters and emergencies. But she will do more than that. She will also help make our Indian Ocean safer and more secure," he said.
Mauritius has a vast 2.3 million sq km of Exclusive Economic Zone.
Jugnauth, while observing that Mauritius by virtue of its strategic location is recognised as a hub of maritime activities in Indian Ocean, said the induction of coastal patrol vessel was yet another step for better control of its large assets besides helping in policing transnational crimes like piracy and bridging the communication gaps among its various islands.
He said Mauritius requires armaments like Fast Attack Aircraft and light armoured personnel carriers and was hopeful India would extend support in this regard.
'Barracuda' which has automatic 30 mm Rapid Fire Gun and 12.7 mm Heavy Machine Guns as part of its ammunition was handed over to Mauritius in December 2014 by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd.
The vessel has been built at an estimited cost of $60 million. It is the first defence export order for a warship built in India, which is optimistic about a follow up order.
Modi had said on Wednesday night that he and Jugnauth considered security cooperation between their countries to be a cornerstone of their strategic partnership.
He had also said that India was honoured to be preferred partner for Mauritius in developing its security capabilities.
Modi had also assured his Mauritian counterpart of timely support in all areas, including delivery of other ships and equipment that Mauritius has ordered from India.
The commissioning of 'Barracuda' comes at a time when India is looking at supporting the maritime infrastructure of friendly foreign countries.
Observing that the Indian Ocean is critical to the future of the world, Modi said India will be more dependent than before on the ocean and the surrounding regions.
"We must also assume our responsibility to shape its (Indian Ocean) future. So, Indian Ocean is at the top of our policy priorities," he said, adding, "Our vision for Indian Ocean Region is rooted in advancing cooperation in our region, and to use our capabilities for the benefit of all in our common maritime homes."
