A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence was held in Chennai today to review the working of the Indian Coast Guard in ensuring coastal security along India’s vast maritime boundaries. The delegation was led by  Radha Mohan Singh, who chaired the meeting held along with Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and ICG.

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard S Paramesh, provided a comprehensive overview of the operational capabilities, strategic initiatives, and preparedness to address the nation’s coastal security challenges. The discussion focused on the ongoing efforts to safeguard India’s maritime interests, improve coordination with various stakeholders, and enhance response mechanisms for ensuring maritime safety and security. The Director General also briefed the Committee on the various facets of Coast Guard operations, including its extensive surveillance systems, advanced vessel fleet, and specialized response units and also its role in preventing maritime security threats, such as illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking.

The Committee members expressed their satisfaction with the Indian Coast Guard’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.