To strengthen maritime security, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been allocated ₹9,676.70 crore for the financial year 2025-26, which is 26.50 per cent more than its previous Budget, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 18th ICG Investiture Ceremony, the Defence Minister stated that the hike in the Budget was a crucial step towards modernising the maritime force and for that 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.
Singh 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.
In the last one year, the Coast Guard apprehended 14 boats and 115 pirates, apart from carrying out a major drug seizure of about ₹37,000 crore, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement. In addition, ICG saved 169 lives through various rescue operations and provided medical assistance to 29 seriously injured people, the Ministry added.
Shedding light on the emergence of unconventional threats due to the latest technological advancements, he told the marine forces, especially ICG, to remain alert of challenges such as cyber attacks, data breach, signal jamming, radar disruption and GPS spoofing, in addition to the conventional threats.
Singh conferred gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service medals to the personnel of the ICG during the 18th Investiture Ceremony. 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 & extreme conditions, the MoD added.
