PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE REVIEWS

PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMI TTEE ON DEFENCE REVIEWS

INDIAN COAST GUARD’S ROLE IN COA STAL SECURITY

A meeting of the Parliamentary Standi ng Committee on Defence was held at Chennai on 16 Nov 24 to review the wo rking of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in ensuring coastal security along Ind ia’s vast maritime boundaries. The del egation of Members of Parliament (MP s) was led by Hon’ble MP Shri Radha M ohan Singh, who chaired the meeting. Senior officials from the Ministry of De fence (MoD) and ICG also attended the meeting.

The ICG was represented by Director G eneral S Paramesh, PTM, TM, Direct or General Indian Coast Guard, who prov ided a comprehensive overview of the ICG’s operational capabilities, strateg ic initiatives, and preparedness to add ress the nation’s coastal security chall enges. The discussion focused on ICG’s ongoing efforts to safeguard India’s m aritime interests, improve coordinatio n with various stakeholders, and enha nce response mechanisms for ensuring maritime safety and security.

During the review, DG S Paramesh brie fed the Committee on the various face ts of ICG operations, including its exte nsive surveillance systems, advanced vessel fleet, and specialized response units. The ICG’s role in preventing mar itime security threats, such as illegal fi shing, smuggling, and human trafficki ng, was also highlighted.

The Committee members expressed th eir satisfaction with the Indian Coast g uard’s recent achievements, acknowle dging the force’s significant progress i n strengthening coastal security infras tructure, enhancing inter-agency coor dination, and implementing cutting-ed ge technologies. They commended the ICG’s proactive role in safeguarding In dia’s 11,098 km coastline and ensuring the security of vital maritime trade ro utes.

*****

MJS/RMP/SM/43