Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Coast Guard, for its work and achievements, during the investiture ceremony in New Delhi today. He said that the government is working towards making the Indian Coast Guard even better. The Defence Minister mentioned increasing the budget of the force and providing modern high-speed boats etc.
On the occasion of the 18th ICG Investiture Ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored a total of 32 of the Indian Coast Guard with various medals. These are medals for three years i.e. 2022, 2023 and 2024. Few among the awardees were the retired personnel of ICG.
These medals include six President’s Coast Guard Medals (Distinguished Service), 11 Coast Guard Medals (Gallantry) and 15 Coast Guard Medals (Commendable Service). These medals are awarded to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard for their exemplary service, acts of bravery and selfless dedication to duty in challenging and extreme conditions. The Defence Minister said that these medals are not just a memento, but they are a symbol of bravery, perseverance and unwavering resolve to maintain the honor of the tricolor.
According to a press release, the ICG has achieved significant achievements in maritime security, safety and humanitarian work. During last year ICG personnel caught 14 boats and 115 pirates and seized narcotics worth about Rs 37,000 crore. Apart from this, during the same period , ICG personnel saved the lives of 169 people in various rescue operations and provided medical assistance to 29 seriously injured people.
Rajnath Singh said that the dream of a safe and prosperous India can be realized only when its security system is strong and the forces are empowered. He said, “Rs 9,676.70 crore has been allocated to the Indian Coast Guard for the financial year 2025-26, which is 26.50 percent more than the previous budget. Apart from this, to strengthen the ICG, the purchase 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.
The Defence Minister praised the laying of the foundation stone of the Digital Coast Guard project and talked about focusing on the technological advancement of the ICG. He said that all these efforts will continuously strengthen the ICG to effectively deal with traditional and non-traditional threats. He assured full support of the government in achieving this goal.
Before the ceremony, the Defence Minister inspected the ceremonial Guard of Honour. Rajnath Singh also interacted with the awardees and their families. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General of ICG Parmesh Shivmani, other senior officials of ICG and Ministry of Defence were also present on this occasion.
