DSA Correspondent

DateFebruary 26, 2025
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18th Indian Coast Guard Investiture Ceremony

Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 18th ICG Investiture Ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on February 25, 2025. During the ceremony, he conferred gallantry, distinguished service and meritorious service medals to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

A total of 32 medals - six President’s Tatrakshak Medals (Distinguished Service), 11 Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry) and 15 Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service) - for 2022, 2023 and 2024 were presented to the personnel for their exemplary service, acts of valour and selfless dedication to duty, often in challenging & extreme conditions.

Source: rajnathsingh

Mr. Singh said ‘ICG has grown into a formidable, trustworthy & one of the world’s most efficient marine forces.’ He said “Geographically, India is surrounded by sea on three sides and its coastline is vast. The nation’s strategic security faces two types of threats. The first is war which is dealt by the Armed Forces, and the second are the challenges of piracy, terrorism, infiltration, smuggling & illegal fishing for which the marine forces, especially ICG, are always alert. ICG, working proactively to tackle these challenges, is a key player in ensuring strategic security.”

Raksha Mantri acknowledged ICG’s focus on technological advancements, while commending the foundation laying of the Digital Coast Guard project.He reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment to increasing the efficiency of ICG. “Indian Coast Guard has been allocated Rs 9,676.70 crore for the Financial Year 2025-26, which is 26.50% more than the previous budget. It is a crucial step towards modernising ICG. In addition, the procurement of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels, six Air Cushion Vehicles, 22 Interceptor Boats, six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels has been approved to make ICG stronger.”