Panaji: Self-reliance in defence is no longer merely an aspiration but an emerging reality, contributing to India’s strategic autonomy, said Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday as he commended the Indian Navy for its role in safeguarding national sovereignty and maritime interests.Pointing out that India’s maritime interests extend far beyond the coastline, Radhakrishnan said that the sea lanes carry a substantial amount of trade and energy requirements, which require safeguarding. “The Indian Ocean Region is central to our economic growth, security and prosperity,” he said.Radhakrishnan, who was at the Karwar naval base for the commissioning of INS Samarthak, a multi-purpose vessel, appreciated the Navy’s role as a first responder and a preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, including anti-piracy operations, the evacuation of Indian citizens and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.“Today, the ever vigilant and combat-ready Indian Navy stands prepared to meet any challenge, and to safeguard the sovereignty and security of our motherland,” said Radhakrishnan. “In the 1971 war, the US aircraft carrier, Enterprise, entered the Indian Ocean and there was panic all over the country. But those days are gone now.”Highlighting the significance of INS Samarthak, the Vice-President said that the vessel will serve as a versatile platform for trials and evaluation of next-generation weapons, sensors and emerging technologies.The ship displaces 3,750 tonnes, is 106m long, has a beam of 16.8m and can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots (27kmph). It features a dynamic positioning system, which lets it hold a precise position at sea during complex manoeuvres and specialised operations that the ship is expected to carry out.INS Samarthak can launch and recover surface and aerial targets for gunnery and anti-submarine warfare training. It can also deploy and operate autonomous, remote-controlled and unmanned surface and aerial vehicles.These capabilities will let the Navy use the ship as a dedicated platform for testing and evaluating weapons, sensors and other systems under development before they are considered for induction, said chief of the naval staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.INS Samarthak is also designed to serve as a mothership for unmanned and autonomous systems. Its other intended roles include low-intensity maritime operations, towing support for other vessels, salvage operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. When required, the ship can be converted into a hospital vessel. That range gives the Navy a platform for technology trials as well as for operational and emergency response tasks.Radhakrishnan said that such a warship would enable the Navy to adapt more rapidly to emerging technological developments and translate indigenous innovation into operational capabilities.Referring to Karwar’s strategic importance, Radhakrishnan said that its deep natural harbour and proximity to the Arabian Sea make it a vital component of India’s maritime security architecture. He said the ongoing development of modern naval infrastructure under project Seabird is enhancing the Navy’s capacity to sustain ships and submarines while generating wider economic opportunities for the region.INS Samarthak is the lead vessel of the Samarthak class. The second vessel, Utkarsh, is undergoing sea trials. Samarthak means supporter, a name that reflects the wide role planned for the ship. It has been designed, engineered and built at L&T’s Warship Design Centre and Shipyard at Kattupalli.“Commissioning of Samarthak also reflects the growing partnership among the Indian Navy, Indian shipyards and the wider domestic industry, in advancing indigenous shipbuilding, fostering innovation, and strengthening the nation’s maritime industrial base,” said Swaminathan.
