(Image source from: INS Sardar Patel commissioned in Porbandar})

INS Sardar Patel was commissioned in Porbandar, which is a strategically important new Naval base that will help to boost security of Gujarat’s 1600-km coastline, Navy chief R.K. Dhowan said. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel commissioned the base and attacked the earlier UPA government, accusing of ignoring the security concerns on the state coastline. Chief Minister unveiled the plaque and read the commissioning warrant of the new base. This is the second in the state of the Indian Navy after INS Dwarka near Okha.

“Gujarat is a thriving maritime state, which has 1600 km long coastline. The state has 43 private and public ports which have contribution of 50 per cent in country’s maritime industries. Around 120 million tonnes crude reaches various refineries in Gujarat from the Gulf of Kutch,” Mr. Dhowan told reporters who were on board INS Kolkata. “Besides, Gujarat has also a blooming shipbuilding industry that comprises both the public and private shipyards. There are big fishing companies and also there is offshore oil development area in sea blocks in Gujarat coast,” said Dhowan. “These are our sea properties which have direct relations with the economical condition of Gujarat and the country as well, he added.

By Premji