Chennai: A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence reviewed the working of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in ensuring coastal security along India’s vast maritime boundaries.
The Committee, which had also visited India’s premier defence training establishment
the Officers Training Academy, held the coastal security review meeting on Saturday,
a defence release said today.
The delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) was led by Radha Mohan Singh, who
chaired the meeting.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and ICG also attended the meeting.
The ICG was represented by ICG Director General S Paramesh who provided a comprehensive overview of the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, strategic
initiatives, and preparedness to address the nation’s coastal security challenges.
The discussion focused on ICG’s ongoing efforts to safeguard India’s maritime
interests, improve coordination with various stakeholders, and enhance response
mechanisms for ensuring maritime safety and security.
During the review, Paramesh briefed the Committee on the various facets of ICG
operations, including its extensive surveillance systems, advanced vessel fleet,
and specialized response units.
The ICG’s role in preventing maritime security threats, such as illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking, were also highlighted.
The Committee members expressed their satisfaction with the ICG’s recent achievements, acknowledging the force’s significant progress in strengthening coastal security infrastructure, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and implementing cutting-edge technologies.
They commended the ICG’s proactive role in safeguarding India’s 11,098 km coastline and ensuring the security of vital maritime trade routes.
