Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday here exhorted the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)to become a technology oriented force to deal with conventional and future threats.  He also underlined the government’s resolve to make ICG self-reliant and said 31 ships for it worth over Rs 4,000 crores were under construction in Indian shipyards.

The defence minister made these assertions while inaugurating the 41st edition of Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference.  The three-day meeting serves as a vital forum for ICG Commanders to engage in meaningful discussions on strategic, operational and administrative matters in the backdrop of the evolving geopolitical landscapes and complexities of maritime security.

Addressing the senior Commanders at the Coast Guard Headquarters, the defence minister described ICG as India’s foremost guard, ensuring the security of the country’s vast coastline through constant monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ), and prevention of illegal activities such as terrorism and trafficking of arms, drugs and humans.

Commending the bravery and dedication with which the ICG personnel serve the nation in the times of distress, he paid tributes to the bravehearts who lost their lives in a recent operation near Porbandar.

Rajnath termed the contribution of ICG in protecting the nation from internal disasters as unparalleled. He extolled its quick response during an oil spill off Chennai after Cyclone Michaung, which averted a major damage to the coastal ecosystem of the area.

Sharing his vision to make ICG as one of the strongest Coast Guards, the defence minister emphasised the need to move forward from being a human-oriented to a technology-oriented force to deal with conventional as well as emerging threats in today’s unpredictable times.

He underlined the importance of ultra-modern technology on maritime borders, stating that it acts as a force multiplier to further strengthen the security system of the country.

“The world is going through a phase of technological revolution. In this era of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology and drones, the field of security is witnessing significant changes.

Given the current geopolitical situation, maritime threats will increase in the future. We need to be alert and ready. The importance of manpower will always remain, but the world should know us as a technology-oriented Coast Guard,” the defence minister said.

While he stressed on the benefits of incorporating latest technology, Rajnath exhorted the Commanders to remain wary of its negative side.

He termed technology as a double-edged sword and called upon ICG to be proactive, vigilant and prepared to tackle the potential challenges.

The defence minister reiterated the commitment of the Government to modernise and bolster the Armed Forces and ICG with indigenous platforms and equipment.

On the efforts being made to attain ‘Aatmanirbharta’, he stated that 31 ships for ICG, worth more than Rs 4,000 crore, are being built by Indian shipyards.

He also highlighted the approvals accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council to enhance the capabilities of ICG, which include procurement of Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Software Defined Radios, Interceptor Boats, Dornier aircraft and Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels.

Asserting that the three Services are evolving themselves with changing times, the deence minister urged the ICG to continue improving itself, creating a unique identity, gaining expertise in its domain, and moving forward with renewed vigour.

He also paid tributes to late ICG DG Rakesh Pal who passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai recently. He described him as a kind-hearted and capable officer whose untimely death, he said, is an irreparable loss.

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare)Niten Chandra were among the senior officers present on the occasion. During the course of the conference, the ICG Commanders will also interact with the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Engineer-in-Chief.

The discussions are designed to foster collaboration among the Services across the full spectrum of maritime security, while also promoting the growth and infrastructure development of ICG. The conference provides a platform for senior ICG leaders to meticulously evaluate key operational, material, logistical, HR development, training, and administrative initiatives undertaken over the past years.