Indian Coast Guard vital pillar of national security: Rajnath

New Delhi, Sep 29: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Monday lauded the Indian Coast Guard’s professionalism and humanitarian service while underlining its critical role in safeguarding India’s 7,500-km-long coastline and island territories.
He was addressing the inaugural session of the 42nd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference being held in New Delhi from September 28 to 30, 2025.
The Defence Minister described ICG as a vital pillar of national security, which has transformed itself from a modest fleet at inception into a formidable force with 152 vessels & 78 aircraft. He added that ICG has consistently earned the trust of citizens as well as global recognition for professionalism and humanitarian service.
Rajnath Singh underscored the ICG’s unique mandate of operating at the intersection of external and internal security. He stated that while the Armed Forces focus on defending external threats and other agencies handle internal security, the ICG seamlessly straddles both spheres. “By patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the ICG not only deters external threats but also addresses illegal fishing, drug and arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, marine pollution, and irregular maritime activities,” he added.
The Defence Minister praised the ICG’s role in multi-agency coordination with the Navy, state administrations, and other security agencies, calling it one of its greatest strengths. “The seamless manner in which the ICG works in real time with civil administration and other forces strengthens the entire national security architecture. You are no longer just a security provider you are a true force multiplier,” he highlighted.
Rajnath reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the ICG, noting that nearly 90% of its capital budget is allocated to indigenous assets. He hailed the progress made in building, repairing, and servicing ships and aircraft within India, calling it a significant milestone in Aatmanirbharta. “This has enhanced the operational strength of the ICG while boosting India’s shipbuilding sector & economy due to which security and self-reliance are progressing hand in hand,” he underlined.
The Defence Minister contrasted land and maritime borders, noting that while land boundaries are permanent, clearly marked & relatively predictable, maritime borders are fluid and constantly shifting due to tides, waves & weather. “A smuggling vessel may look like a fishing boat, a terrorist group may exploit the openness of the sea, and threats may emerge invisibly. Maritime security is far more complex & unpredictable than land borders and demands constant vigilance,” he stressed.
Rajnath underlined the fact that India’s 7,500-km-long coastline, along with island territories such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, poses enormous challenges, requiring advanced technology, well-trained personnel, and round-the-clock surveillance.
He lauded ICG’s humanitarian character, highlighting its role in disaster management and rescue operations. “Whether it is responding to cyclones, oil spills, industrial accidents, or foreign vessels in distress, ICG has always acted swiftly to protect lives and property. The world judges India by how we act in such crises, and the ICG has consistently brought us honour,” he said.
Rajnath commended the ICG’s strides in women empowerment, stating that women officers today serve not only in support roles but also as frontline warriors. They are now being trained and deployed as pilots, observers, hovercraft operators, air traffic controllers, logistics officers, and law officers. “This transformation reflects our vision of inclusive participation, where women contribute equally in leadership and operational capacities,” he highlighted.
He underlined that maritime threats are becoming increasingly technology-driven and multi-dimensional. “What were once predictable patterns of smuggling or piracy have now evolved into sophisticated operations using GPS spoofing, remote-controlled boats, encrypted communications, drones, satellite phones, and even networks operating on the dark web,” he stated. He also warned that terrorist organisations, exploit modern tools such as digital mapping and real-time intelligence to plan their activities.
“Traditional methods are no longer sufficient, we must be ahead of criminals and adversaries by integrating Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning-based surveillance, drones, cyber defence systems, and automated response mechanisms into our maritime security framework,” highlighted Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath cautioned that cyber and electronic warfare are no longer hypothetical threats but present-day realities. “A nation may attempt to paralyse our systems not with missiles, but through hacking, cyber-attacks, and electronic jamming. ICG must continuously adapt, upgrading its training and equipment to guard against such threats. Automated surveillance networks and AI-enabled systems are essential to reduce response times to seconds and ensure readiness at all times,” he said.
Rajnath Singh highlighted that instability in neighbouring countries often spills into the maritime domain. He cited frequent developments in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other regional nations that impact coastal security, especially in the Bay of Bengal, through refugee influx, illegal migration, and irregular maritime activities. He urged the ICG to maintain not just routine surveillance but also geopolitical awareness and readiness to respond swiftly to external developments.
Linking maritime security directly with India’s economic well-being, Rajnath Singh underscored that ports, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure are lifelines of the nation’s economy. “A disruption in maritime trade whether physical or cyber can have cascading effects on security and economy alike. We must treat national security and economic security as one & the same,” he stressed.
Rajnath urged the ICG to develop a futuristic roadmap that anticipates new challenges, integrates cutting-edge technologies, and continuously adapts strategies. He reminded the commanders that warfare is now measured in hours and seconds, not months, with satellites, drones, and sensors redefining the nature of conflict. Preparedness, adaptability, and rapid response must be the cornerstones of the ICG’s vision, he added.
The defence underscored that India’s march towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 rests on the twin pillars of prosperity and security. He invoked the ICG’s motto, ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ (We Protect), calling it not just a slogan but a pledge. “It is this pledge, embedded in every ICG personnel, that will ensure we hand over a strong, secure, and self-reliant India to future generations,” he affirmed.
The Conference focuses on enhancing inter-service coordination, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and ensuring that future capabilities align with India’s national maritime priorities. Distinguished participants, including the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Engineer-in-Chief, will engage in discussions covering operational performance, logistics, human resource development, training, and administration, with a strategic emphasis on bolstering India’s maritime presence.
Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani inaugurated the Conference, presenting an overview of recent achievements, operational challenges, and the strategic vision for the service. A strong focus on indigenisation and self-reliance was emphasised, with the ICG’s growing reliance on indigenous platforms and technologies reflecting the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Since its establishment, ICG has apprehended 1,638 foreign vessels and 13,775 foreign fishermen involved in illegal activities within Indian waters. It has also seized 6,430 kilograms of narcotics, valued at Rs. 37,833 crore, highlighting its increasing effectiveness in combating transnational maritime crime. The ICG’s dedication to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations has been notable, with 76 missions conducted by July this year, saving 74 lives, and a cumulative record of over 14,500 lives rescued in disaster response operations. The ICG has also demonstrated operational readiness and environmental protection capabilities during critical incidents, including the MV Wan Hai 503 fire and the sinking of MV MSC ELSA-3 off the Kerala Coast.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and senior officials from MoD & ICG were also present on the occasion.(PIB)