New Delhi: Highlighting the rise of unconventional threats driven by modern technological advancements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called upon maritime forces, particularly the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), to stay vigilant against challenges like cyber attacks, data breaches, signal jamming, radar interference, and GPS spoofing, alongside traditional threats.
Congratulating the personnel after conferring gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service medals during the 18th ICG Investiture Ceremony here, Rajnath asserted that the vision of a secure and prosperous India can only be realised if its security system is robust and the forces are strong.
He said that the ICG has evolved into a powerful, reliable, and highly efficient maritime force, playing a crucial role in maintaining strategic security, a defence Ministry statement said.
“Geographically, India is surrounded by sea on three sides and its coastline is vast. The nation’s strategic security faces two types of threats. The first is war which is dealt by the Armed Forces, and the second are the challenges of piracy, terrorism, infiltration, smuggling and illegal fishing for which the marine forces, especially ICG, are always alert.
ICG, working proactively to tackle these challenges, is a key player in ensuring strategic security,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister said that in the last one year, ICG has achieved significant achievements in maritime safety, security and humanitarian operations. It apprehended 14 boats and 115 pirates, apart from carrying out a major drug seizure of about Rs 37,000 crore.
Rajnath reiterated his Government’s commitment to increasing the efficiency of ICG.
Moreover, ICG saved 169 lives through various rescue operations and provided medical assistance to 29 seriously injured people, he added.
Stating that these achievements are not just statistics, but a story of ICG’s courage and dedication towards national security, the Minister said, “By being alert on the maritime borders, ICG not only stops illegal infiltration, but also helps in positively impacting India’s sovereignty and internal security.
“Indian Coast Guard has been allocated Rs 9,676.70 crore for the Financial Year 2025-26, which is 26.50 percent more than the previous budget. It is a crucial step towards modernising ICG. In addition, the procurement of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels, six Air Cushion Vehicles, 22 Interceptor Boats, six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels has been approved to make ICG stronger,” he said.
Rajnath acknowledged ICG’s focus on technological advancements, while commending the foundation laying of the Digital Coast Guard project.
All these efforts will continuously strengthen the ICG to effectively deal with conventional and unconventional threats, he said, assuring the Government’s full support in achieving this objective.
Congratulating the personnel, Singh described the medals as not just a memento, but a symbol of bravery, perseverance and unwavering resolve towards maintaining the honour of the tricolour.
He commended the personnel for their efforts in ensuring coastal security, organisational efficiency, seizure of drugs, rescue operations and international exercises.
A total of 32 medals – six President’s Tatrakshak Medals (Distinguished Service), 11 Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry) and 15 Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) – for 2022, 2023 and 2024 were presented to the personnel for their exemplary service, acts of valour, and selfless dedication to duty, often in challenging and extreme conditions.
Present on the occasion were, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and other senior officials.
UNI
