The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), established on February 1, 1977, with just seven surface platforms, has evolved into an “impressive naval force” comprising 155 ships and 80 aircraft, officials said on Saturday (Jan 31, 2026). The ICG will celebrate its 50th resurrection day with events in New Delhi on Sunday (February 1, 2026), marking five decades of dedicated, selfless service to the nation, they said.
The ICG was to address emerging maritime challenges and protect India’s expanding maritime interests.
“From its humble beginnings in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has evolved into a formidable naval force that today includes 155 ships and 80 aircraft,” the ICG said.
By 2030, the ICG is “poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft and firmly establish itself among the world’s leading coast guard services,” it said.
Since its inception, the organization has “saved more than 11,800 lives” and created a legacy defined by compassion and courage, earning recognition as the enduring “Saviours at Sea”, a senior ICG official said.
The Delhi-based force patrols over 20.1 lakh square km of India’s exclusive economic zone and 11,098.01 km of coastline, the ICG said in a statement.
From humble beginnings, 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 firm handling of three major maritime incidents off the Kerala coast in recent months, the ICG has demonstrated readiness across the spectrum of maritime contingencies, they said.
With the extensive deployment of ships and aircraft, coupled with high-tech electronic surveillance, the Coast Guard’s permanent presence at sea reassures the maritime community and deters wrongdoing, they added.
In line with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, the ICG is steadily moving towards self-sufficiency through the introduction of indigenously manufactured ships, aircraft, helicopters and advanced surveillance systems, while prioritizing infrastructure development and personnel welfare, the statement said.
The ICG said it also “remains strongly committed to gender neutrality and inclusiveness, ensuring equal opportunities for women in roles at sea, aviation and ashore, and promoting a professional environment defined by respect, merit and mutual trust”.
Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Amrit Kaal” and anchored in the doctrines of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions), the ICG forms a key pillar of India’s prosperity, cooperation, collaboration and collective ocean revitalization.
In this evolving era, the Indian seas are not just borders to be guarded, but “paths of partnership, progress and shared destiny”, the ICG added.
On the global stage, the ICG strengthens maritime partnership through humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions and capacity-building initiatives, the force said, adding that the unanimous decision to hand over the chairmanship of the 50th Global Coast Guard Summit to the ICG in 2025 is a recognition of India’s growing maritime leadership.
Ahead of the 50th day of the promotion, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defense Minister of India extended their greetings to all ranks of the ICG, commending its remarkable achievements and recognizing its vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
In a post on X on Friday, the ICG said that in the run-up to Raising Day, the Lakshadweep District Force Headquarters organized a vibrant series of relief and community engagement events in Kavaratti, Andrott and Minicoy.
Activities included painting, quiz competitions, walkathon, special coastal clean-up drive, school children visits on ICG boats, community interaction programmes, cycle rally and tree plantation drive.
“The initiatives witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, CRPF, IRBN, civil organisations, schools, fishing communities and representatives of the Union Territories, reinforcing the collective commitment to maritime safety, environmental stewardship and community connectivity,” the ICG said.
Published – 01 Feb 2026 05:05 IST
