Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed senior leadership of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) during the 42nd ICG Commanders’ Conference. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and ICG attended the session.
Minister called for a technology-driven, self-reliant and inclusive approach to maritime security. He praised the ICG’s swift crisis response, its humanitarian work, and its growing role as a “force multiplier” in national security. The minister highlighted women officers serving as frontline warriors and urged continuous integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, drones, cyber defence systems and automated surveillance networks to counter evolving threats.
India’s 7,500-km coastline, island territories and critical sea-lanes face complex and unpredictable challenges including smuggling, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, cyber intrusion and electronic warfare. The minister stressed that maritime security and economic security are inseparable and that preparedness, adaptability and rapid response are vital for national prosperity and safety.
Rajnath Singh outlined a roadmap that links indigenisation with operational readiness. Nearly 90 percent of the ICG’s capital budget is already devoted to indigenous assets, strengthening India’s shipbuilding sector and economy. He urged commanders to maintain geopolitical awareness, enhance inter-service coordination and align future capabilities with national maritime priorities on the path to a developed India by 2047.
ICG has transformed from a modest fleet to a formidable force of 152 vessels and 78 aircraft. Since inception it has apprehended 1,638 foreign vessels and 13,775 foreign fishermen for illegal activities and seized 6,430 kilograms of narcotics valued at more than ₹37,800 crore. By July 2025 it had conducted 76 search and rescue missions, saving 74 lives and recording a cumulative total of more than 14,500 lives rescued.
The conference focuses on strengthening maritime domain awareness, logistics, human resource development, training and administration while reinforcing the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The minister concluded with the ICG motto “Vayam Rakshamah – We Protect,” framing it as a pledge to hand over a strong, secure and self-reliant India to future generations.
