Inaugurating Top Coast Guard Meet, Defence Minister Emphasises Indigenisation

The ongoing indigenisation drive in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was brought into sharp focus on Tuesday when defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st conference of the organization’s top brass. Singh underscored the government’s dedication to modernising the ICG and the three services with locally produced military hardware.

Singh discussed the initiatives being implemented to enhance “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in the defence manufacturing sector. He stated that Indian yards are constructing 31 ships for ICG in projects valued at over ₹4,000 crore.

Singh emphasised the approvals granted by the defence acquisition council, India’s premier military procurement body, to improve the coast guard’s capabilities by implementing a variety of platforms and systems. These include multi-mission maritime aircraft, software-defined radios, interceptor boats, Dornier aircraft, and next-generation fast patrol vessels.

“The field of security is undergoing substantial transformations in the current era of quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and drones.” The current geopolitical climate will result in an increase in maritime threats in the future. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and prepared. Singh stated, “The significance of manpower will always endure; however, the world should recognise us as a Coast Guard that prioritises technology.”

In a statement, the defence ministry stated that the three-day conference will provide a critical platform for ICG commanders to engage in discussions on strategic, operational, and administrative matters in the context of the complexities of maritime security and the evolving geopolitical developments.

Singh characterised ICG as the nation’s most vigilant guardian, responsible for the continuous surveillance of the exclusive economic zone and the prevention of illegal activities, including the trafficking of arms, drugs, and humans, as well as the security of the extensive coastline. Among the senior officers in attendance were Giridhar Aramane, secretary of defence production, Sanjeev Kumar, and Niten Chandra, secretary of ex-servicemen welfare.

The three-day conference will feature interactions between the ICG Commanders and the chief of the Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and the Chief of the Navy, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. “The discussions are intended to promote the growth and infrastructure development of ICG, as well as to encourage collaboration among the services across the full spectrum of maritime security,” the statement continued.