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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday praised the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for its role during Operation Sindoor, calling it a frontline force in India’s maritime security system.
Addressing the 50th Raising Day celebrations of the ICG in New Delhi on February 1, Singh said the operation showed seamless coordination among the armed services during a period of heightened maritime sensitivity.
“Operation Sindoor displayed seamless inter-service coordination within India’s multi-layered maritime security system, and reaffirmed the role of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) as a frontline force,” said Defence Minister.
He said the Coast Guard responded swiftly and firmly. Strategic assets were deployed in advance. Surveillance was stepped up along the western coast. High alert was maintained in coastal and creek areas.
Singh described the ICG as a “wall of trust” guarding India’s maritime borders. He said the force reflected the true spirit of service to the nation.
The Defence Minister urged the Coast Guard to prepare a clear, focused roadmap for the next 25 years, in line with the government’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
He said the roadmap should cover manpower planning and capability development. It should also define the ICG’s role and identity as an organisation by 2047.
“If this introspection and reforms are initiated today, then in 100 years of our independence, the ICG will not only become a strong guardian of maritime security, but also a shining symbol of Viksit Bharat’s maritime prowess,” he said.
Singh also called for organisational and structural reforms to make the force more agile and future-ready. He said early reforms would help the ICG emerge as a strong symbol of India’s maritime strength by the centenary of Independence.
Calling the ICG a key pillar of national security, Singh said the force has transformed into a modern and powerful organisation. It is now equipped with advanced ships, helicopters, aircraft and modern technologies.
He said the Coast Guard’s work has given India confidence to pursue its maritime interests and plan for the blue economy, coastal development and maritime security.
Singh said the ICG plays a crucial role in preventing terrorism, arms smuggling and human trafficking. He added that its responsibilities have grown amid rising global instability and maritime threats.
He highlighted the Coast Guard’s contribution in tackling drug trafficking, piracy, illegal trade and marine pollution.
From its start in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has expanded significantly. It currently operates 155 ships and 80 aircraft.
By 2030, the force aims to induct 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft, positioning it among the world’s leading Coast Guard services.
Raised on February 1, 1977, the ICG was created to protect India’s maritime interests and address emerging sea-borne challenges.
Today, the force is responsible for maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and humanitarian assistance.
The Coast Guard maintains surveillance over 2.01 million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone and a coastline stretching over 11,098 km.
Officials said its constant presence at sea reassures the maritime community and deters violations, reflecting the professionalism and commitment of its personnel.
Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
