Defence Minister Rajnath Singh awarded distinguished gallantry medals and other meritorious service medals to the Indian Coast Guard personnel during the 18th ICG Investiture Ceremony, cemented with a turning point at Bharat Mandapam,
In total, 32 medals worthy of recognition for 2022, 2023, and 2024 have been awarded to the personnel who demonstrated valour, integrity, and dedication in adverse and extreme conditions.
The awards included six President’s Tatrakshak Medals (Distinguished Service), 11 Tatrakshak Medals (Gallantry), and 15 Tatrakshak Medals (Meritorious Service). The Defence Minister praised ICG personnel for their determination, valour, and selflessness towards India’s maritime security while grappling with piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and operating various types of rescue missions.
“These medals today bear witness to that courage, that perseverance, and that sheer willingness to protect the honor of our tricolour,” Singh said.
He noted the great role of ICG in ensuring the safety of India’s oceans, whether facing necessary conventional threats or unconventional challenges posed by piracy, terrorism, and illegal infiltration.
Singh further recognised the significant accomplishments of the ICG in the past year, which include arresting 14 boats and 115 pirates, and making a major seizure of a shipment of narcotics worth Rs 37,000 crore. The ICG personnel also rescued 169 persons through various operations and treated 29 people with serious conditions.
“These are not mere numbers; each figure is a story of ICG’s expertise and commitment to national security,” said Singh in his address, emphasising the need to tackle the evolving unconventional threats of cyber-attacks, data breaches, and GPS spoofing in addition to traditional maritime security threats.
The Defence Minister announced a significant increase in the budget for the Indian Coast Guard during the government’s effort to enhance ICG’s capacity further. With an unprecedented allocation of Rs. 9,676.70 crore for the 2025-2026 financial year, a rise of 26.5 percent from that in the previous year, this budget is going to modernise the ICG further. It will facilitate the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels, six Air Cushion Vehicles, 22 Interceptor Boats, and 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels and further bolster the Coast Guard’s preparedness to meet future challenges.
Singh further noted that ICG had focused on the integration of technologies, especially the ushering in of the Digital Coast Guard project. “These efforts will continue to facilitate the strengthening of the ICG and keep its preparedness at a high level to meet both traditional and non-traditional threats,” he affirmed.
Before the ceremonious proceedings commenced, the union minister reviewed the Ceremonial Guard of Honour, laying stress on the significance of the occasion. The awardees and their families were introduced to the Defence Minister, thus leaving a memorable impression on the proceedings.
