43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference Begins in New Delhi
The ICG Commanders Conference began in New Delhi on September 17, 2026. The three-day meeting brings senior Indian Coast Guard commanders together to review maritime security and operational preparedness.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth interacted with Director General ICG Paramesh Sivamani and Coast Guard commanders on the opening day. He praised the ICG for protecting India’s maritime interests and acting as a first responder during emergencies at sea. He also highlighted its role in saving lives regardless of nationality.
ICG Commanders Conference Focuses on Technology
Shri Sanjay Seth said maritime security challenges are changing rapidly. He stressed the growing importance of networks, sensors, software, data, Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities and space-based technologies.
He urged the Coast Guard to become not only a technology user but also a co-creator. For this, he called for closer cooperation with start-ups, industry, DRDO and research institutions.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri also linked technological development with Aatmanirbharta. He explained that self-reliance involves developing solutions for Indian challenges while creating capabilities for global requirements.
Expanding Maritime Capabilities
The minister highlighted the ICG’s contribution to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. Its maritime capabilities support search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response and pollution control.
He called for stronger capabilities from littoral and green waters to open oceans and blue waters. These include advanced platforms, underwater technologies, unmanned systems, long-endurance surveillance, satellite-enabled maritime domain awareness and secure communications.
During the conference, commanders will interact with Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Discussions will cover operational readiness, logistics, human resources, training, administration, infrastructure and ongoing projects.
The ICG Commanders Conference also supports indigenisation through the Make in India initiative, aligning Coast Guard capability development with the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
