New Delhi, January 31:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will commemorate its 50th Raising Day on February 1, marking five decades of service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and coastal security.
Established on February 1, 1977, with an initial fleet of just seven surface platforms, the ICG has grown into a formidable maritime force. It currently operates 155 ships and 80 aircraft, and aims to expand to 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030, positioning itself among the world’s leading Coast Guard services.
Tasked with maritime law enforcement, coastal surveillance, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance, the Indian Coast Guard today maintains constant vigilance over India’s 2.01 million square kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone and a coastline spanning more than 11,000 kilometres. Extensive deployment of ships, aircraft, and advanced electronic surveillance systems ensures persistent presence at sea and deterrence against maritime threats.
Saving lives at sea remains central to the Coast Guard’s mandate. Since its inception, the organisation has rescued over 11,800 people through operations ranging from emergency medical evacuations to large-scale search and rescue missions during severe weather conditions. The ICG has also demonstrated operational readiness during major maritime incidents off the Kerala coast, rescue operations in Lakshadweep, and through close coordination with the Indian Navy in recent operations.
Environmental protection is another key pillar of the Coast Guard’s responsibilities. In line with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the ICG continues to induct indigenously built ships, aircraft, helicopters, and advanced surveillance systems, while also focusing on infrastructure development and personnel welfare.
The force has reaffirmed its commitment to gender neutrality by ensuring equal opportunities for women across seagoing, aviation, and shore-based roles. It also continues to enhance international maritime cooperation through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and capacity-building initiatives. In 2025, global Coast Guard agencies unanimously handed over the presidency of the 50th Coast Guard Global Summit to India, recognising the country’s growing leadership in the maritime domain.
On the occasion of the golden jubilee, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister have conveyed their congratulations to all ranks of the Indian Coast Guard, acknowledging its achievements and its vital role in ensuring maritime security.
The Indian Coast Guard also paid tribute to its veterans and personnel, describing them as the backbone of the organisation and the driving force behind five decades of dedicated service to the nation.
