Raksha Mantri Opens 42nd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi

New Delhi – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 42nd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference at the ICG headquarters in New Delhi on 29 September 2025, urging the force to adopt a forward-looking strategy for stronger maritime security. The three-day meet brings senior leadership together to review operations, technology upgrades and long-term priorities for India’s 7,500-km coastline and island territories.

Growth and Indigenisation
Singh praised the ICG’s transformation from a modest fleet to 152 vessels and 78 aircraft. He highlighted that nearly 90 percent of its capital budget now supports indigenous ship and aircraft construction, strengthening national security while boosting India’s shipbuilding sector.

Dual Role in Security
The Minister underlined the ICG’s unique position of bridging external and internal security. By patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone, the force counters illegal fishing, smuggling, drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking and marine pollution, while working seamlessly with the Navy, state administrations and other agencies.

Technology and Emerging Threats
Singh warned that modern maritime threats—ranging from GPS spoofing and drones to cyber-attacks—demand rapid adaptation. He called for the integration of AI-enabled surveillance, machine-learning tools and automated defence systems to cut response times to seconds.

Humanitarian Service and Women Empowerment
Applauding the ICG’s humanitarian record, he noted that the service has carried out 76 search-and-rescue missions this year, saving 74 lives, and has rescued more than 14,500 people overall. Singh also commended the growing presence of women officers serving as pilots, hovercraft operators and in other frontline roles, calling it a milestone in inclusive participation.

Economic and Regional Significance
Linking maritime vigilance to economic security, the Defence Minister stressed that disruptions to shipping lanes and energy infrastructure could have cascading effects on the nation’s prosperity. He urged commanders to remain alert to regional instability that may spill into the maritime domain.

Operational Achievements and Vision 2047
Since its inception, the ICG has intercepted 1,638 foreign vessels, detained 13,775 fishermen for illegal activities, and seized 6,430 kg of narcotics worth about ₹37,833 crore. Singh concluded by asking the force to draft a roadmap through 2047 to keep India strong, secure and self-reliant, reaffirming the Coast Guard’s motto Vayam Rakshamah—“We Protect.”