Madikeri/New Delhi, 27 Nov 2025 — The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hosted its maiden Shipbuilding, Indigenisation & IT Conference in Madikeri, Karnataka, marking a significant move toward strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities and accelerating the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and digital transformation in the defence sector.
The conference brought together senior officials, representatives from leading shipyards, equipment manufacturers, classification societies, and maritime technology experts, creating a collaborative platform aimed at boosting indigenous innovation and modernising India’s coastal security architecture.
In his inaugural address, Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, highlighted the strategic importance of self-reliance in shipbuilding. He emphasized that indigenous design, a resilient domestic supply chain, and strong digital infrastructure were essential to ensuring the ICG’s long-term operational readiness. The DG praised Indian shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers for their “steadfast support” in advancing the Coast Guard’s mission.
A notable milestone showcased at the event was the progress of the 200th indigenously built ICG vessel, the fourth Pollution Control Ship, which is currently undergoing sea trials. DG Sivamani hailed the vessel as evidence of the “technical expertise and engineering excellence” of Coast Guard technocrats.
The DG also provided an update on Project Digital Coast Guard, an initiative aimed at building a secure and scalable digital backbone for all ICG units. He stressed that digital expansion must be matched with robust cybersecurity frameworks to ensure operational integrity.
One of the key outcomes of the conference was the signing of an MoU between the ICG and the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC). The partnership will promote defence-sector innovation, strengthen industry engagement, and accelerate indigenisation through the Defence Innovation Hub at Coimbatore.
During the event, the DGICG also released several important documents:
- A teaser of the upcoming e-book History of Shipbuilding in the Indian Coast Guard
- The Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in ICG
- The ICG Cyber Crisis Management Plan–2025
These releases underline the organisation’s focus on enhanced capabilities, digital evolution, and readiness for emerging challenges.
The conference concluded with wide-ranging discussions among stakeholders aimed at aligning future requirements and creating a modern, technologically empowered and fully indigenous maritime force.
