Indian Coast Guard gears up for 50th Raising Day ceremony
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which was established on February 1, 1977 with only seven surface platforms, has transformed into a “formidable naval force” comprising 155 ships and 80 aircraft, officials said on Saturday, January 31, 2026. They said ICG will celebrate its 50th Resurrection Day with an event to be held in New Delhi on Sunday, February 1, 2026, marking five decades of dedicated, selfless service to the nation.
The ICG was envisaged to address emerging maritime challenges and protect India’s expanding maritime interests.
“From its humble beginnings with only seven surface platforms in 1977, ICG has today grown into a formidable naval power of 155 ships and 80 aircraft,” ICG said. he said.
It said the ICG is “poised to achieve target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030, firmly positioning itself among the world’s leading coast guard services.”
A senior ICG official said that since its founding, the organization had “saved more than 11,800 lives”, creating a legacy defined by compassion and courage and was enduringly known as the ‘Savior at Sea’.
In its statement, ICG said that the force, headquartered in Delhi, keeps watch over 20.1 lakh square kilometers and 11,098.01 km of coastline in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Starting from humble origins, it has grown into a powerful, versatile and highly respected force tasked with maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and humanitarian assistance, officials said.
From close coordination with the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor to daring rescue operations in Lakshadweep and the stringent handling of three major maritime incidents off the Kerala coast in recent months, the ICG has demonstrated preparedness across the full spectrum of maritime emergencies, they said.
They added that the Coast Guard’s persistent presence at sea, with its widespread deployment of ships and aircraft and high-tech electronic surveillance, reassures the maritime community and deters violations.
‘ in line with the visionAatmanirbharBharatThe ICG is steadily moving towards self-sufficiency through the introduction of indigenously built ships, aircraft, helicopters and advanced surveillance systems, while prioritizing infrastructure development and staff welfare, the statement said.
The ICG also said it was “firmly committed to gender neutrality and inclusivity, providing equal opportunities for women in maritime, aviation and ashore roles, and promoting a professional environment defined by respect, merit and mutual trust.”
In line with the Prime Minister’s vision‘Amrit Kaal’ Based on the doctrines of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Integral Progress for Security and Growth Across Regions), the ICG said it forms a fundamental pillar of India’s maritime resurgence, promoting security, growth, cooperation and collective prosperity across oceans.
ICG added that in this evolving era, India’s seas are not just borders that need to be protected, but also “pathways of partnership, progress and shared destiny”.
Stating that at the global stage, ICG is strengthening maritime partnerships through humanitarian and disaster relief missions and capacity building initiatives, the force added that the unanimous decision to hand over the chairmanship of the 50th Coast Guard Global Summit to ICG in 2025 represents recognition of India’s growing maritime leadership.
Ahead of the 50th Ascension Day, the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense conveyed their respect to all levels of the ICG, lauded its outstanding achievements and acknowledged its vital role in protecting India’s maritime interests.
In a post published on X on Friday, the ICG said that ahead of Ascension Day, the force’s regional headquarters in Lakshadweep organized a series of live outreach and community engagement events in Kavaratti, Andrott and Minicoy.
Activities included painting, quiz competitions, marching march, special coastal cleanup drive, visits of school children to ICG ships, community engagement programmes, bike rally and tree planting drive.
“The initiatives witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives of the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, CRPF, IRBN, civic organisations, schools, fishing communities and Union territorial administration, strengthening the collective commitment towards maritime safety, environmental stewardship and community connectivity,” the ICG said.
It was published – 01 February 2026 05:05 IST
