Rajnath praises Coast Guard’s role during Operation Sindoor, urges it to prepare 2047 roadmap

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday (February 1, 2026) lauded the role of the Indian Coast Guard during last year’s Operation Sindoor and said the navy had pre-deployed strategic assets, increased surveillance along the west coast and maintained “high alert” in coastal and creek areas.

Speaking at an event to mark the 50th Raise Day of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Mr. Singh also said the operation demonstrated “seamless inter-service coordination” within India’s multi-layered maritime security system and reaffirmed the ICG’s role as a “frontline force”.

In his speech, the Defense Minister also referred to the Union Budget 2026-27 presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026, describing it as a budget that reflects “what is on India’s mind”.

Established on February 1, 1977, the ICG was envisaged to address emerging maritime challenges and protect India’s expanding maritime interests.

Mr. Singh said that over the last five decades, the Coast Guard has emerged as an “important pillar” of India’s national security and the ICG has evolved into a “huge, modern and powerful force” equipped with advanced ships, helicopters, modern aircraft and the best technologies.

In his speech, he enumerated the various key roles played by the ICG, from preventing terrorism, arms and human smuggling to ensuring maritime security, from saving lives and responding to natural disasters to controlling other illegal activities, saying the force remains vigilant on all fronts.

“Also, your great success is what you did in Operation Sindoor, which was carried out in an environment of increased maritime sensitivity,” he said.

The Defense Minister said the ICG had “pre-deployed strategic assets, increased surveillance along the west coast and maintained high alert in coastal and creek areas” as part of a “swift and decisive response”.

He described the ICG as a “wall of trust” on India’s maritime border and said it showed the true meaning of service to the nation.

“Operation Sindoor demonstrated seamless inter-service coordination within India’s multi-layered maritime security system and reaffirmed the role of the Indian Coast Guard as a frontline force,” Mr. Singh said.

Officials said that the ICG, which was established in 1977 with only seven surface platforms, has turned into a formidable naval power consisting of 155 ships and 80 aircraft.

They stated that by 2030 the ICG “is poised to achieve target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft, firmly positioning itself among the world’s leading coast guard services.”

Mr Singh said their responsibilities had increased at a time of global instability and increasing maritime threats.

“His contribution to combating challenges such as drug trafficking, piracy, illegal trade and marine pollution is decisive. Saving more than 11,800 lives at sea since its inception clearly demonstrates his courage, skill and sense of duty.”

“Be it hurricanes, maritime disasters or regional humanitarian missions like Operation Sagar Bandhu, this operation has demonstrated immediate response, compassion and a professional approach. Multi-agency coordination, the role of first responders in disaster management and the display of professionalism as well as humanity strengthens national security,” he said.

Mr. Singh encouraged the ICG to prepare a “clear, well-targeted and visionary roadmap” for the next 25 years so that the nation moves decisively towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He emphasized that the roadmap should not only cover manpower planning and talent development, but also define where ICG sees itself as an organization by 2047.

Mr Singh urged the ICG to focus on organizational and structural reforms that would make it more “agile, responsive and future-proof”.

“If these introspections and reforms are initiated today, in the 100th year of our independence, the ICG will not only become a strong guardian of maritime security but also a shining symbol of maritime prowess of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

Mr. Singh also unveiled ICG’s ‘Swarnim Jayanti’ logo and released a commemorative stamp.

Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth, Defense Minister RK Singh, Navy Commander Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani attended the event held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings to all levels of ICG on the occasion.

“#ICGRaisingDay2026 #Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu extended warm wishes to @IndiaCoastGuard on the occasion of 50th raising day. #IndianCoastGuardDay2026 #WeProtect” ICG posted on X on Sunday, February 1, 2026 and shared a written message from the President.

Earlier in the day, in a post on