Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 42nd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference at ICG Headquarters, New Delhi today, urging the force to craft a futuristic roadmap to meet evolving maritime challenges with advanced technology, preparedness, and adaptability.
Lauding the ICG’s professionalism, humanitarian service, and growing global reputation, the Defence Minister described it as a vital pillar of national security, safeguarding India’s 7,500-km coastline and island territories. He highlighted that the ICG has transformed from a modest fleet into a formidable force with 152 vessels and 78 aircraft.
Key Highlights of the Address:
- Humanitarian Role: Rajnath Singh praised ICG’s disaster response and rescue efforts, noting that by July this year it had conducted 76 Search & Rescue missions, saving 74 lives, and has cumulatively rescued over 14,500 people since inception.
- Maritime Enforcement: The ICG has apprehended 1,638 foreign vessels, detained 13,775 foreign fishermen, and seized 6,430 kg of narcotics worth ₹37,833 crore.
- Women Empowerment: Women officers are now serving as frontline warriors, trained as pilots, hovercraft operators, and air traffic controllers, marking a shift towards inclusive leadership and operational roles.
- Indigenisation Drive: Nearly 90% of ICG’s capital budget is now dedicated to indigenous platforms, bolstering Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s shipbuilding sector.
- Evolving Threats: Singh stressed the need to counter modern challenges such as drones, GPS spoofing, encrypted communications, cyber warfare, and dark web-enabled networks, with AI-enabled surveillance and automated response systems.
- Geopolitical Awareness: He underlined how instability in neighbouring nations like Myanmar and Bangladesh directly impacts India’s maritime security.
“Warfare is now measured in hours and seconds, with satellites, drones, and sensors redefining conflict. Preparedness, adaptability, and rapid response must be the cornerstones of the ICG’s vision,” the Raksha Mantri said, calling on the force to integrate emerging technologies and strengthen coordination with the Navy, civil administration, and other agencies.
The Minister linked maritime security with economic well-being, noting that disruptions to ports, shipping lanes, or energy infrastructure could have cascading effects on national security.
Looking Ahead to 2047
Rajnath Singh urged the ICG to prepare for India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, with maritime security and self-reliance forming its backbone. He invoked the ICG’s motto “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect), calling it a pledge to secure future generations.
The three-day conference (September 28–30) will review operational, logistical, and human resource priorities, focusing on maritime domain awareness, indigenisation, and inter-agency coordination. Director General ICG Rakesh Sivamani presented an overview of recent achievements and strategic goals. Senior MoD officials, including Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, also attended.
