What is the purpose of the deal signed by the Defence Ministry

The purpose of the deal signed by the Indian Defence Ministry for 6 next-gen offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Coast Guard can be summarized as follows: 1. Enhancing maritime security: The acquisition of these OPVs will bolster India's ability to safeguard its maritime interests and protect its coastlines. 2. Strengthening Coast Guard capabilities: The deal aims to upgrade the Coast Guard's fleet and equip it with modern maritime surveillance systems, advanced sensors, and weaponry, thus enhancing its operational effectiveness. 3. Ensuring maritime domain awareness: These next-gen OPVs will enhance India's ability to monitor and control its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and respond to any maritime threats or security challenges effectively. 4. Safeguarding coastal communities: The presence of enhanced Coast Guard capabilities will help ensure the safety of coastal communities, prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing, and contribute to the overall security and welfare of the nation. 5. Promoting indigenization and defense manufacturing: The deal is in line with the government's vision of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing by encouraging the domestic production of advanced maritime platforms. It will also support the 'Make in India' initiative. Overall, the purpose of this deal is to strengthen India's maritime security infrastructure, enhance operational capabilities, and protect its interests in the maritime domain.