Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st edition of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference in the national capital today. The three-day conference provides a platform for ICG Commanders to discuss strategic, operational, and administrative matters, with a focus on the evolving geopolitical landscape and maritime security challenges.
Addressing senior commanders at the Coast Guard Headquarters, Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Coast Guard as the nation’s foremost defender of its extensive coastline, commending their efforts in securing the Exclusive Economic Zone and preventing illegal activities such as terrorism, arms, drug, and human trafficking. He paid tribute to the personnel who lost their lives in a recent operation near Porbandar.
Shri Rajnath Singh praised the ICG for its swift response during an oil spill off Chennai following Cyclone Michaung, which helped avert major damage to the coastal ecosystem. He acknowledged the ICG’s unmatched contribution to disaster response and stressed the need for the force to become more technology-oriented in the face of future threats. “In this era of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, and drones, the field of security is undergoing significant changes,” he said. He urged the ICG to leverage cutting-edge technology as a force multiplier, while remaining vigilant of its potential risks.
The Raksha Mantri reiterated the government's commitment to building a self-reliant Coast Guard, highlighting that 31 ICG ships worth over Rs 4,000 crore are being constructed by Indian shipyards. He also emphasized ongoing efforts to bolster the force's capabilities through the procurement of advanced platforms, including Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Software Defined Radios, Interceptor Boats, Dornier aircraft, and Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels.
Shri Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences on the recent passing of ICG Director General Rakesh Pal, remembering him as a dedicated officer whose untimely death is a great loss to the force.
During the conference, ICG Commanders will interact with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Naval Staff, and other senior officials to discuss collaboration across the spectrum of maritime security. The forum will also allow the leaders to assess key operational, material, and logistical initiatives from the past year, as well as projects aimed at promoting indigenisation under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The conference underscores the ICG’s efforts to align with the government’s vision of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and enhance the protection of India’s maritime interests.(PR)