ICGS Sankalp Makes Port Call at Port Louis, Mauritius

19 Jan 2026 CW Team

The deployment aligns with India’s maritime vision of SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—which focuses on promoting maritime safety, security and environmental protection across the Indian Ocean Region. Reflecting the Indian Coast Guard’s emphasis on gender inclusivity, two women officers are embarked onboard ICGS Sankalp, highlighting their growing role in maritime operations and India’s commitment to women empowerment in the maritime domain.

During its stay at Port Louis, ICGS Sankalp will engage in a range of professional interactions with the National Coast Guard of Mauritius and other local maritime agencies. These engagements are aimed at sharing best practices and strengthening cooperation in key operational areas.

A comprehensive training programme has been planned, including sea and harbour drills, oil pollution response exercises, damage control and NBCD drills, as well as firefighting exercises. The programme will also feature joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training, along with navigation bridge and Machinery Control Room integration drills to enhance coordination and operational readiness.

Beyond operational activities, the port call will include friendly sports fixtures and cultural exchanges to foster camaraderie and people-to-people ties. The crew will also participate in community service initiatives, reflecting India’s approach of constructive engagement and goodwill. The visit will further provide an opportunity to showcase India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The visit of ICGS Sankalp reinforces India’s role as a reliable maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region and highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime safety, security, capacity building and environmental protection. Following the completion of its Mauritius visit, the ship will sail for Seychelles as part of its continued overseas deployment, further expanding India’s maritime outreach with key island nations.

Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sankalp, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius on January 17, 2026, as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to friendly foreign countries in the Indian Ocean Region. The visit underscores India’s continued commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability and deepening bilateral relations with Mauritius.The deployment aligns with India’s maritime vision of SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—which focuses on promoting maritime safety, security and environmental protection across the Indian Ocean Region. Reflecting the Indian Coast Guard’s emphasis on gender inclusivity, two women officers are embarked onboard ICGS Sankalp, highlighting their growing role in maritime operations and India’s commitment to women empowerment in the maritime domain.During its stay at Port Louis, ICGS Sankalp will engage in a range of professional interactions with the National Coast Guard of Mauritius and other local maritime agencies. These engagements are aimed at sharing best practices and strengthening cooperation in key operational areas.A comprehensive training programme has been planned, including sea and harbour drills, oil pollution response exercises, damage control and NBCD drills, as well as firefighting exercises. The programme will also feature joint Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training, along with navigation bridge and Machinery Control Room integration drills to enhance coordination and operational readiness.Beyond operational activities, the port call will include friendly sports fixtures and cultural exchanges to foster camaraderie and people-to-people ties. The crew will also participate in community service initiatives, reflecting India’s approach of constructive engagement and goodwill. The visit will further provide an opportunity to showcase India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.The visit of ICGS Sankalp reinforces India’s role as a reliable maritime partner in the Indian Ocean Region and highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime safety, security, capacity building and environmental protection. Following the completion of its Mauritius visit, the ship will sail for Seychelles as part of its continued overseas deployment, further expanding India’s maritime outreach with key island nations.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Jan 2026

Indian Railways Steps Up Track Modernisation, Safety Drive

Indian Railways has made significant strides in modernising its track infrastructure and strengthening safety standards through sustained investment and focused execution over the past eleven years. These initiatives have played a crucial role in enabling safer, faster and more reliable train operations across the national network.During the financial year 2024–25, track renewal works were completed across 6,851 track kilometres. In the current financial year 2025–26, more than 7,500 track kilometres are undergoing renewal, while plans are in place to cover 7,900 track kilometres in 2026�..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Jan 2026

PM Modi Dedicates Rs 8.30 Bn Waterways, Rail Projects in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and flagged off multiple development projects worth more than Rs 8.30 billion at Singur in Hooghly district, West Bengal, giving a major boost to rail and inland waterways infrastructure in the state. The projects are aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving cargo movement and accelerating regional economic growth.Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that after visiting Malda a day earlier, he was pleased to interact with people in Hooghly. He emphasised that the development of eastern India is..

Infrastructure Urban

19 Jan 2026

Dr Jitendra Singh Launches India’s First Open-Sea Fish Farming Project

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, launched India’s first-ever open-sea Marine Fish Farming project in the Andaman Sea, marking a major milestone in harnessing the country’s vast ocean resources for economic growth. The project was inaugurated at North Bay, Vijaya Puram, during the Minister’s field visit to the open waters of the Andaman Sea.Describing the initiative as a significant step towards realising the Blue Economy vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said the project re..