The vision of a secure & prosperous India can only be realised if its security system is robust and the forces are strong, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said even as he listed the initiatives taken by the government to strengthen the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
#NewDelhi | Defence Minister @rajnathsingh confers gallantry, distinguished service and meritorious service medals to personnel of the @IndiaCoastGuard at an investiture ceremony in the presence of MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General… pic.twitter.com/s0dRzjrfHI
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 25, 2025
Speaking at the 18th ICG Investiture Ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Tuesday, the defence minister said the Coast Guard has been allocated Rs ₹9,676.70 crore for the Financial Year 2025-26, which is 26.50 per cent more than the previous budget.
Attended the @IndiaCoastGuard Investiture Ceremony at Bharat Mandapam where the Tatrakshak Medals were awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry and valuable service. We are proud of all those who have been conferred these awards.https://t.co/hBCzwdEKgv pic.twitter.com/2eYxN19ZuZ
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 25, 2025
"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," Singh said.
He highlighted the growth of ICG into a formidable, trustworthy and one of the most efficient marine forces in the world.
“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 is 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,” he said.
In the last year, the Coast Guard apprehended 14 boats and 115 pirates, carried out a major drug seizure of about Rs 37,000 crore, and saved 169 lives through various rescue operations and provided medical assistance to 29 seriously injured people. The defence minister pointed out that these are not mere statistics, but a story of ICG’s courage and dedication towards national security.
During the event, the defence minister conferred gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious service medals to the ICG personnel.
