OPV Vikram is a 100% in-house designed vessel made by an Indian private sector L&T for Indian Coast Guard.
It is the first of the seven vessels for which contract had been awarded by the Ministry of Defence in March 2015to L & T.
The vessel, equipped with modern weapon and state-of- the-art radar systems would be deployed for day and night surveillance patrol, search and rescue and in pollution response operations in exclusive economic zones of the country.
OPVs under the project are long range surface ships, capable of operation in maritime zones of India including island territories with helicopter operation capabilities.
Their roles include coastal and offshore patrolling, policing maritime zones of India, control & surveillance, anti-smuggling & anti-piracy with limited wartime roles.
The Chiefs of the border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held bi-annual talks to discuss a host of issues including movement of Rohingya immigrants across the border at New Delhi.
Key Takeaways
The 45thDirector General-level talks between the two sides was held between delegations of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF) of India.
They discussed the measures to stop the menace of smuggling of contraband items including liquor, phensidyl, cannabis and other narcotics.
Both the sides also discussed the recent incidents of movement of Rohingya Muslims across the border.
It was decided thatIndia and Bangladesh will undertake a major project to repair and maintain damaged pillars along the 4,096-km long border they share.
The other issues discussed were: Providing assistance for River bank protection works along common/border River, Confidence building measure, Organized Combined MilonMela at commonly agreed places, Exchange of visit by BGB/BSF Medical team, Joint Seminar/Symposium/Workshop on border related issues in collaboration with renowned academics in the bordering area and Exchange of instructors/teachers for BGB training centers and educational.
